When a property is not maintained in a safe manner, injuries and health problems can happen.  When a water system is not properly maintained or is contaminated people that are exposed to the water may acquire Legionnaires’ disease. If you or loved one has contracted Legionnaires’ disease you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our experienced Connecticut Personal Injuries Attorney so we can evaluate your case. Our firm has experience in successfully representing people that have been harmed as a result of exposure to Legionella bacteria.

 

What is Legionnaires’ Disease:

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by a bacterium known as legionella. People get Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor (small droplets of water in the air) that has been contaminated with the bacteria. The bacteria are not spread  person to person.  The conditions that legionella requires to grow are warm water, stagnant water, and water that has low or no levels of chlorine or disinfectant.

What are the Symptoms of Legionnaires Disease:

People that are exposed often don’t exhibit symptoms immediately and the symptoms can appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. Symptoms can include:

High fever

Coughing

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Muscle aches

Headaches

Loss of coordination

Mental confusion

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Flu like symptoms

Individuals over age 50, smokers, or those who have a chronic lung disease or weakened immune system are much more likely to contract Legionnaires’ disease. In some cases, Legionnaires’ disease can lead to fatal complications such as respiratory failure and according to a CDC study there is a 20% death rate for those suffering from Legionnaire’s disease.

 

Where can Legionella Bacteria be Found:

There have been reported cases involving people acquiring Legionnaires Disease in Hospitals, Hotels, Motels, Apartment buildings and Retirement Homes.

Legionella bacteria may be found in large water sources such as:

• pools
• Showers
• Spas
• Hot tubs
• Cooling towers
• Hot water tanks
• plumbing systems
• Air conditioning systems

 

If you or a loved one have acquired Legionnaires Disease in Connecticut you should contact our office today for a free consultation 203-272-1157.