Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Causes Health and Legal Concerns for New Yorkers

The recent and largest outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York, more specifically in the Bronx community, has raised serious concerns about the dangers of this illness. Even though this disease is not spread from person to person and is only contracted by breathing in water vapor containing the Legionella bacteria, it is still frightening many New Yorkers.

That fear is not unwarranted. Unfortunately our firm has represent two families who lost loved ones due to exposure to the Legionella bacteria. While we were able to reach confidential settlements for those families, it will never make them whole again.

Legionnaire’s disease has been blamed for taking the lives of 12 New Yorkers and sickening 116 more. The July-August outbreak that infected 128 New Yorkers was later linked to a South Bronx boutique hotel. The flare-up caused 12 fatalities and sickened 116 more people. Since the outbreak, 13 new cases have been reported, 11 of which remain hospitalized.

What Is Legionnaire’s Disease?

The Legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease is naturally found in the environment, usually in water. The bacteria grow best in swimming pools, hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks and building plumbing systems. People contract Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria. For instance, if you are near or in a hot tub that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected and breathe in tiny droplets of the contaminated water, you may become infected with the bacteria.

The exposure time from the bacteria to the onset of the symptoms of the disease is generally 2 to 14 days, referred to as the “incubation period.” Common symptoms of the Legionnaires’ disease include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• High fever
• Muscle aches
• Headaches

The seriousness of this disease often makes people seek out experienced law firms, such as Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., to determine if they have a case.

How To Prove a Legionnaires’ Disease Claim in a Lawsuit

In order to successfully file a lawsuit against the person or entity alleged to be responsible for the outbreak of the Legionnaire’s disease, you must prove the following elements:

• You were exposed to the Legionella bacteria that causes the disease
• The exposure occurred at the premises you are filing a suit against
• The exposure resulted from the negligence of the owner or operator of the premises
• The exposure resulted in a confirmed diagnosis of Legionnaire’s disease

Our Success In Proving These Claims

Similar to other complicated personal injury claims, in order to pursue a claim, you need to obtain the services of an experienced attorney. Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. has already litigated two such cases, which has resulted in confidential amounts. Our legal team and staff has the knowledge and resources to hold the negligent parties and entities liable for their actions in order to bring justice and obtain fair compensation for innocent victims.

Call a New York Legionnaires’ Disease Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has experienced any symptoms that suggest you may have contracted Legionnaires’ disease, you should immediately seek medical attention. If a diagnosis confirms the presence of the Legionella bacteria in your system, you should obtain legal representation. Our legal team is here to advise you, and if necessary, handle your claim against any party or entity that may be responsible for your sickness.

For more information or to consult with one of our experienced New York Legionnaires’ disease attorneys, please call Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-800-529-9997.