Dallas Legionnaires’ Attorney

In Dallas, victims of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks have the right to pursue legal claims if the negligence of property owners, maintenance companies, or other responsible parties causes their illness.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by inhaling small droplets of water or mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria. These droplets can come from various sources, including cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and complex plumbing systems. Symptoms of the disease typically appear 2 to 10 days after exposure and include coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. While anyone can contract Legionnaires’ disease, older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

Who Can Pursue a Legionnaires’ Disease Claim?

Anyone who has contracted Legionnaires’ disease as a result of another party’s negligence may pursue a claim for compensation. This includes:

Infected Individuals

The person who contracted Legionnaires’ disease can file a claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Legal Guardians

If a minor or an incapacitated person contracts the disease, their legal guardian can file a claim on their behalf.

Family Members

In cases where Legionnaires’ disease has resulted in death, close family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

How to Prove a Legionnaires’ Disease Claim

To pursue a successful Legionnaires’ disease claim in Dallas, a plaintiff (victim) must typically prove that their illness was the result of another party’s negligence. The legal basis for these claims often revolves around demonstrating the following:

Duty of Care

The defendant (at-fault party) had a legal obligation to maintain their property’s water systems to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria.

Breach of Duty

The defendant failed to fulfill this obligation, whether by neglecting regular maintenance, improper cleaning, or failing to monitor the water systems adequately.

Causation

Evidence that the defendant’s breach of duty was the direct cause of the plaintiff’s illness. This often involves linking the source of the bacteria to the defendant’s property through environmental testing and epidemiological evidence.

Damages

The plaintiff suffered specific harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of contracting the disease.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In Dallas, liability for a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak can fall on several parties, such as:

• Property Owners/Managers: For failing to maintain safe water systems in buildings.
• Maintenance Contractors: Can be held accountable if their negligence in servicing water systems leads to contamination.
• Employers: May be liable if an outbreak occurs at work and they fail to ensure a safe environment.
• Manufacturers: Liable under product liability laws if a defective product, like a water heater, contributes to the spread of Legionella.

Contact Our Dallas Legionnaires’ Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by Legionnaires’ disease, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our experienced Dallas Legionnaires Attorney is dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve while holding negligent parties accountable. Contact us online or by calling (833) 330-3663 today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.