Legionnaires’ disease is a severe, potentially life-threatening form of pneumonia. The disease causes lung inflammation due to Legionella bacteria, which thrive at warm temperatures and in wet or damp areas. The disease is not contagious. Rather, infected individuals generally contract the disease after inhaling Legionella bacteria from mist or vapor.
Since 2015, approximately 5 outbreaks have occurred throughout New York City in Midtown Manhattan, Washington Heights, and the Bronx. Cases of the disease during the outbreaks have exceeded 150 and fatality rates have been as high as 14 percent. The most recent outbreak is affecting the Washington Heights area and is ongoing as of July 2018.
Contact our personal injury firm today so that we can begin reviewing your case: (212) 684-1880.
Outbreaks of the disease have been linked to, for example, building ventilation systems, cooling towers, indoor pools and spas, and faucet water. Persons and entities who own and manage the various facilities containing such and other mechanisms through which Legionnaires’ disease is spread may be held responsible for your contraction of the disease.
In addition, you are more susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease if you are middle-aged or older, have a weakened immune system, have chronic lung disease, or are a smoker. Although antibiotics may be used to treat the disease, some patients’ health continues to suffer in the long-term.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease appear between two and ten days following exposure to Legionella bacteria.
Symptoms may include:
At Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo & Plotkin LLP, our mission is to help people who have been harmed through no fault of their own as they seek to recover compensation for damages caused by others’ negligence. Our New York personal injury lawyers handle cases nationwide on behalf of those who have fallen ill due to defective products and medical devices, unsafe cleaning and maintenance practices, and other instances in which those responsible for ensuring the safety of others fail to do so. We may be able to help you obtain reimbursement for hospital bills, medical expenses, treatments, and other costs associated with your legionnaires’ infection. We may also be able to help you file a wrongful death lawsuit if someone in your family has died as a result of a legionnaires’ infection resulting from another person’s negligence.
If you or a loved one has developed Legionnaires’ disease, please call (212) 684-1880 to speak with an experienced New York personal injury attorney, or contact us onlineto schedule your free case evaluation.
We fight tirelessly to deliver results and we are not afraid to go to trial.
We are leaders and educators in legal issues involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability.
We have the experience to handle your case all while providing individualized attention.
