Legionnaires’ Disease causes severe health problems and difficult secondary effects, from expensive medical bills to missed work. Many infections result from property owners or businesses failing to maintain water systems, but holding these negligent parties accountable is challenging.
The Johnson City Legionnaires’ disease lawyers at The Terry Law Firm understand the toll this illness takes and can fight on your behalf for fair compensation. With over 50 years of combined experience and millions recovered for our clients, our personal injury attorneys combine small-town service with the resources of a large law firm. Call now or complete our contact form for a free case review with a Legionnaires’ lawyer.
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease and How It Spreads
Legionnaires’ Disease is a severe form of pneumonia that occurs after exposure to Legionella bacteria. The illness got its name in 1976 after a deadly outbreak among attendees at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia. Since then, health officials have learned more about how the bacteria infects people and the risks it poses.
People usually get Legionnaires’ Disease by breathing in tiny water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. Notably, the infection usually does not spread from person to person. Once the bacteria enter the lungs, they can cause coughing, fever, muscle aches, and other respiratory problems. Because the disease can become severe, anyone with symptoms should seek medical care quickly.
Legionella bacteria typically grow in warm water systems, but the conditions that allow them to multiply vary. Hotels, hospitals, and other large facilities often face greater risks of exposing visitors because they use complex plumbing systems.
Legal Grounds for Filing a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit in Tennessee
Legionnaires’ Disease lawsuits in Tennessee often center on negligence, meaning that someone acted carelessly and failed to take sufficient precautions to prevent exposure to the bacteria that cause the illness. For example, property owners, business operators, or organizations that fail to maintain safe building water systems may be liable when people become ill. Tennessee law requires these parties to keep their premises reasonably safe, which includes taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria that can lead to serious illness and death.
Similarly, a hotel, hospital, apartment complex, or other facility may be liable for a Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak if it does not monitor or treat its water systems properly. Poor maintenance, ignoring known problems, or failing to follow safety standards may allow Legionella bacteria to thrive. When guests, patients, or residents then develop Legionnaires’ Disease after exposure, the individuals responsible for the unsafe conditions may be legally responsible.
In some cases, liability may extend to companies that design, install, or service water systems if their work creates unsafe conditions. For example, improper installation procedures of faucets or plumbing, or failure to follow professional guidelines, could increase the risk of bacterial growth.
Common Sources of Legionnaires’ Disease
Common sources of bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ Disease include:
- Hot tubs and spas: These systems use warm water that can support bacterial growth if owners do not clean them regularly or maintain the correct chemical balance. When people use the tubs, the bubbles and steam release contaminated droplets into the air, which can spread the bacteria.
- Large plumbing systems: Hotels, apartment complexes, and hospitals often use extensive plumbing that may include dead ends or areas where water does not flow well. Stagnant water in these systems can allow Legionella bacteria to grow, especially if owners do not keep up with routine monitoring and maintenance.
- Cooling towers: Many commercial buildings use cooling towers as part of their air conditioning systems. These towers collect and recirculate water, which can become contaminated if the systems do not receive regular cleaning or treatment. Bacteria can spread to anyone nearby when mist from the towers is released into the air.
- Decorative fountains and water features: Fountains, waterfalls, and other water displays produce mist that people may inhale. If maintenance lapses or disinfection practices are inconsistent, these features can be a hidden source of Legionella bacteria.
- Water heaters and storage tanks: Tanks that keep water at temperatures between 77 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit create ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply. Regular flushing, cleaning, and proper temperature control are necessary to limit this risk.
If you believe you got sick because of someone else’s negligence, contact our office to take legal action. Our law firm can also assist if you lost a loved one due to Legionnaires’ Disease and you want to file a wrongful death claim.
Common Challenges in Proving Liability for Legionnaires’ Disease Cases
One challenge in Legionnaires’ Disease claims is proving where the exposure occurred, since bacteria can exist in many different water systems. Victims may have stayed in multiple places or visited several locations, which makes it harder to pinpoint a single infection source.
Another issue is the need for scientific testing. Health officials may need to match samples from a water system to the specific strain of bacteria found in a patient. Without this connection, it can be challenging to show that a particular property owner or business caused the illness. A Johnson City Legionnaires’ Disease attorney can use their experience, knowledge, and resources to overcome these challenges and seek the compensation you deserve.
Local Resources and Legal Support for Johnson City Legionnaires’ Disease Victims
Johnson City and the surrounding area have many resources available to people with Legionnaires’ Disease. First Tennessee Human Resource Agency offers services like Meals on Wheels, in-home personal care, and transportation that help people manage daily needs during their illness. Similarly, Family Promise of Greater Johnson City supports families facing medical issues or other challenges by providing shelter, meals, and case management services.
As for legal support, your best bet is to talk to a Johnson City Legionnaires’ attorney as soon as possible. They can explain your options, handle your legal case, and prepare for trial while you heal.
How The Terry Law Firm Can Help You Pursue Justice and Legionnaires’ Disease Compensation
If you have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At The Terry Law Firm, we understand the challenges of a Legionnaires’ Disease diagnosis. We’ll investigate your case to identify where you were exposed and who bears responsibility. Our team will gather medical records, expert opinions, and inspection reports so we can present clear evidence on your behalf. We’ll handle communication with insurance companies and defense lawyers so you can focus on your health, and we’ll prepare your case for trial in case a fair settlement isn’t possible.
You have the right to fair compensation if you developed Legionnaires’ Disease due to someone else’s negligence. Call The Terry Law Firm now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.