Detroit Legionnaire’s Attorney

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in poorly maintained water systems. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in Detroit, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Lange Law Firm, PLLC by calling (833) 330-3663 today for a free consultation to explore your legal options.

Why Choose Us?

• Proven Success in Legionnaires’ Cases: Our legal team has extensive experience handling Legionnaires’ disease cases, successfully recovering millions for our clients.
• Client-Focused Advocacy: We prioritize your needs by providing compassionate legal support while aggressively pursuing maximum compensation.
• No Win, No Fee Policy: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we secure a successful settlement or verdict for your case.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious respiratory illness that develops after inhaling microscopic droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after exposure and include:

• Difficulty breathing and chest pain are common.
• A high fever over 104°F is often accompanied by chills.
• Severe muscle pain, tiredness, and weakness.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Neurological symptoms such as headaches or mental confusion can appear.

Although treatable with antibiotics, Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening, especially for older adults, smokers, or individuals with weakened immune systems. Hospitalization is common, and severe cases can lead to respiratory failure or septic shock.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Legionnaires’ Disease?

Liability for Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks often falls on parties responsible for maintaining and managing water systems. In Detroit, potentially liable parties include:

Property Owners and Managers

Owners or managers of commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, and apartment complexes are responsible for maintaining safe water systems. If improper maintenance leads to Legionella growth, they can be held liable.

Government Entities

In Detroit, aging infrastructure and water system issues have previously contributed to Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. Government agencies responsible for water quality and public health may be liable if they fail to maintain safe water systems.

Hospitals and Nursing Homes

These facilities must provide safe water systems for patients and residents.

Employers and Business Owners

If employees contract Legionnaires’ disease from contaminated water sources at work, employers may be liable.

Maintenance and HVAC Companies

Companies tasked with maintaining cooling towers, HVAC systems, or plumbing systems may be responsible if improper cleaning or maintenance leads to contamination.

Manufacturers and Distributors

Defective water systems, filters, or plumbing equipment that contribute to Legionella growth can make manufacturers and distributors liable under Michigan product liability laws.

Michigan Laws that Apply to Legionnaires’ Disease Cases

In Michigan, individuals who contract Legionnaires’ disease due to exposure to Legionella bacteria may seek legal recourse under premises liability and product liability laws.

Premises Liability in Michigan

Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 554.139, “A lessor shall keep the premises and all common areas fit for the use intended by the parties and in reasonable repair…” In other words, property owners and occupiers owe a duty of care to maintain safe premises. This includes maintaining water systems to prevent Legionella growth. If a property owner knew or should have known about the Legionella hazard and failed to address it, they could be held liable for resulting illnesses.

Product Liability in Michigan

If Legionnaires’ disease is linked to defective water systems or components, Michigan product liability law applies. Under MCL § 600.2945,  “A product is defective if it is not reasonably safe for its intended, anticipated, or reasonably foreseeable use…” This includes defects in design, manufacturing, or labeling that result in Legionella growth. Manufacturers and distributors can be held strictly liable if a defect in their product directly caused the Legionnaires’ disease diagnosis.

Statute of Limitations in Michigan

Michigan has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including Legionnaires’ disease cases. According to MCL § 600.5805, individuals must file a lawsuit within three years of diagnosis to seek compensation. Failing to file within this period may result in the loss of the right to pursue compensation.

How a Detroit Legionnaires’ Attorney Can Help

A Detroit Legionnaires’ attorney provides the experience and resources needed to navigate complex legal claims. They can:

• Investigate the Outbreak: Work with public health officials and environmental experts to trace the source of Legionella contamination.
• Gather Evidence: Collect maintenance records, inspection reports, and medical documentation to establish negligence.
• Prove Liability: Demonstrate that the responsible party’s failure to maintain safe water systems directly led to the illness.
• Negotiate Settlements: Engage with insurance companies to seek fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will represent you in court, fighting to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Detroit Legionnaires’ Disease Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by Legionnaires’ disease in Detroit, call (833) 330-3663 or message us online to schedule a free consultation.