Michigan Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer

Our Michigan poisoning lawyers handle cases involving Legionnaire’s Disease.  People, especially the elderly, can become very ill and even die from this disease.  Many times, the disease is caused by the negligence of a person or business and impacts a large number of victims.

We are investigating several cases of outbreaks at hotels and medical facilities.  Lawsuits will be filed shortly by our Legionnaire’s Disease attorneys.

• What Evidence is Needed to Win the Lawsuit?
• How Much are Legionnaire’s Disease Settlements?
• The Deadline to File a Legionnaire’s Desease Case

What is Legionnaire’s Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease, or Legionellosis, is a severe infection caused by Legionella species, primarily L. pneumophila.  Many patients present to clinics, doctors, and hospitals with symptoms that are similar to pneumonia.  These include high fever, cold chills, congestion, aching muscles, headaches, and diarrhea.

Many patients require immediate hospitalization and some are admitted directly to the intensive care unit (ICU).  Specific lab tests are necessary to determine if a patient has Legionnaire’s Disease.

Even with prompt medical care, victims of the disease often have permanent, life-changing conditions.  These include neurological problems, neuromuscular deficits, and other serious impairments.

What are Common Causes of Legionnaire’s Disease?

Legionnaire’s disease outbreaks occur in hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and other large facilities. The most common causes of the disease are from standing water, mostly in building water systems like:

• Sink faucets
• Shower faucets
• Humidifiers
• Cooling towers, like central air conditioning for large buildings
• Hot tubs that are not properly drained after usage
• Hot water tanks and hot water heaters
• Plumbing systems in large buildings
• Large decorative fountains, both inside and outside

Legionnaire’s disease spreads primarily when people breathe in small water droplets that contain the bacteria.  Some people aspirate the bacteria directly into the lungs from drinking water.

Legionnaire’s Disease Lawsuits in Michigan

Legionnaire’s Disease lawsuits are filed against the business or entity responsible for maintaining and repairing the source of the disease.  Cases are also filed against the manufacturers, installers, and contractors for designing the systems that are proven to be the source of the outbreak.

Typically, a health department will investigate the source of the disease once an outbreak has been identified.  Many times, an investigation will begin after a single exposure is documented in order to prevent a more large scale outbreak.  In cases involving more than one person or a large number of people, a class action lawsuit can be filed for the entire group.

What Evidence is Needed to Win the Lawsuit?

Like other cases involving toxic substances or the spread of a disease, the injured person must prove:

• A diagnosis of Legionnaire’s disease made by a doctor, hospital, or public health department
• Exposure to the Legionella bacteria that caused disease
• The business, property owner, or other entity was negligent or reckless
• Serious illness and sickness from the bacterial exposure

These factors are proven through medical records, lab tests, and health department inspection reports.  Private investigators and inspector are also employed by our law firm to pin down the source of the disease as well.  We also hire doctors and medical experts to provide opinions supporting the case.

How Much are Legionnaire’s Disease Settlements?

A Legionnaire’s disease lawsuit settlement amount is based upon the severity of the illness.  Conditions that are permanent in nature and affect the lifestyle of the victim result in higher compensation amounts.  Many times, the injured person is unable to work or needs assistance with activities of daily living.  These also factor into the total amount of a settlement.

In cases resulting in death due to the exposure, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party.  These cases request compensation for the loss of companionship of the loved one, the suffering during the illness until death, and available economic losses.

Statute of Limitations

In Michigan, you must file a lawsuit within three years of the date of the exposure for a negligence type claim.  If the claim is against a nursing home, hospital, or medical facility, the time deadline can be reduced to two years.    If you miss the deadline, your case will be lost forever.

It is important that you contact our Legionnaire Disease lawyers immediately so we can begin our intensive investigation into your case.

Contact Our Michigan Legionnaire’s Disease Lawyers

Legionnaire’s disease cases require an in-depth understanding of the medical and scientific issues involved.  To speak with an experienced Legionnaire’s Disease attorney,  contact The Buckfire Law Firm today.  We will start our investigation and work to get you a great settlement.

We do not charge you any legal fees whatsoever unless you win a settlement.  You do not owe us anything if we are unable to get you compensation for any reason