If you have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, you are likely facing financial distress, time out of work, and difficulty navigating your everyday life.
A serious form of pneumonia or lung disease, Legionnaires’ disease often results from exposure to bacterial growth in contaminated water in hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and workplaces. When that exposure was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may have a valid claim for Legionnaires’ compensation.
The Terry Law Firm offers legal representation to individuals pursuing a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit. We are ready to review your situation during a free consultation and explain what you can expect during a legionella lawsuit.
The Legal Process for Legionnaires’ Disease Claims
The process of seeking Legionnaires’ disease compensation generally involves the following basic steps:
- Investigation – If you pursue a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit, your attorney will investigate where and how the exposure occurred. An investigation usually involves examining water systems, hot tubs, indoor spas, hot water heaters, air conditioning systems, and other building systems in places you visited before falling ill, such as hotels, hospitals, cruise ships, and senior housing facilities.
- Evidence gathering – Your attorney can gather medical records, environmental reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to establish a connection between the Legionella bacteria and the responsible party’s negligence.
- Filing a claim – Once your attorney gathers enough evidence, a formal legal complaint can be filed against the responsible parties. Typically, the liable party is a property owner, facility manager, or maintenance company.
- Discovery phase – During this period, both sides exchange information, which may include document requests, depositions, and expert testimony.
- Negotiation – Many cases are resolved through an out-of-court negotiated settlement.
- Trial (if necessary) – If insurers will not offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a Legionella lawsuit and bring your claim to court, where your lawyer can advocate for a favorable verdict.
Types of Compensation Available in Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuits
Legionnaires’ disease compensation covers many types of losses, including:
- Medical expenses – The responsible party may be liable for all hospital stays, follow-up appointments, medications, specialist care, and rehabilitation related to the illness.
- Lost wages – Hotel sickness compensation may cover wages lost due to missed time at work or loss of future earning capacity due to long-term effects of Legionnaires’ disease.
- Pain and suffering – You can be compensated for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional trauma caused by the illness and its impact on your life.
- Wrongful death benefits – Surviving family members can seek compensation when Legionnaires’ disease causes someone’s death.
Challenges in Proving Liability for Legionnaires’ Disease
One of the most challenging aspects of pursuing Legionnaires’ compensation is proving where and how the exposure occurred. Legionella bacteria can thrive in many different environments, and symptoms may not present themselves until days after exposure.
That is why it is crucial to work with experienced attorneys and medical professionals who can build a strong Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit based on environmental testing, medical records, epidemiological data, and other solid evidence.
How The Terry Law Firm Can Help with Your Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit
The Terry Law Firm has been protecting the rights of sick and injured people in East Tennessee since 1960. We are a family firm dedicated to compassionate, personalized service and strong representation in personal injury cases.
If you believe you contracted Legionnaires’ disease due to someone else’s negligence, we are ready to fight for the justice and maximum hotel sickness compensation you deserve. Let us conduct an investigation, gather the evidence, and pursue your claim while you focus on recovery.
Contact us today for your free consultation about your potential Legionnaires’ disease case.
