Charlotte Legionnaires’ Attorney

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious and preventable illness caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria, which thrive in poorly maintained water systems. For residents of Charlotte, an outbreak can lead to severe health consequences, but legal options are available for those affected.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia that develops after inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Contaminated sources often include:

• Cooling towers in HVAC systems
• Decorative fountains
• Hot tubs and spas
• Plumbing systems in large buildings

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure and may include:

• Severe coughing and difficulty breathing
• High fever and chills
• Muscle pain and fatigue
• Headaches and confusion

Although treatable with antibiotics, Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening, especially for older adults, smokers, or individuals with compromised immune systems.

Your Legal Rights After a Legionnaires’ Disease Diagnosis

Victims of Legionnaires’ disease in Charlotte have the right to pursue legal claims when negligence contributes to an outbreak. Those include:

• Individuals Directly Affected: People diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional suffering.
• Guardians for Vulnerable Individuals: A legal guardian may file a claim on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person who contracts the disease.
• Families of Deceased Victims: In cases of fatal illness, family members can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Proving Negligence in Legionnaires’ Disease Cases

Unlike strict liability cases, claims related to Legionnaires’ disease often focus on negligence. To succeed, plaintiffs must demonstrate:

• A Duty of Care: The defendant (e.g., a property owner or maintenance contractor) had a legal responsibility to maintain water systems safely.
• Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to perform regular maintenance, disinfection, or monitoring, allowing Legionella bacteria to grow.
• Causation: Testing must link the Legionella bacteria to the defendant’s premises and establish that exposure caused the plaintiff’s illness.
• Damages: The plaintiff must show tangible losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional suffering.

Who Can Be Held Accountable?

Responsibility for Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks can fall on:

• Property Owners or Managers: For neglecting water system maintenance.
• Maintenance Companies: For failing to properly service water systems or equipment.
• Employers: For exposing workers to unsafe environments.
• Product Manufacturers: For defective products that contribute to Legionella outbreaks, such as faulty water heaters or filtration systems.

How Can a Charlotte Legionnaires’ Attorney Help?

Handling a Legionnaires’ disease claim requires extensive legal knowledge and resources to investigate the source of contamination, gather evidence, and build a compelling case. A Charlotte legionnaires lawyer will:

• Collaborate with experts to identify Legionella sources
• Document negligence through water testing and inspections
• Fight for full compensation for your financial and emotional losses

Hiring a lawyer will significantly increase your chances of holding those responsible accountable and will also give you peace of mind so you can focus on recovering.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by Legionnaires’ disease in Charlotte, do not wait to take action. At The Lange Law Firm, PLLC, we specialize in representing victims of preventable outbreaks. Call us at (833) 330-3663 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.