Fort Worth Legionnaires’ Attorney
Victims of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in Fort Worth have the right to take legal action when property owners, maintenance companies, or other responsible parties fail to uphold safety standards, resulting in their illness.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling small water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. These droplets often come from sources like cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, or large plumbing systems.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure and include:
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- High fever
- Muscle aches
- Severe headaches
While anyone can contract the disease, individuals at higher risk include older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to recovery.
Who Can Pursue a Legionnaires’ Disease Claim?
If negligence contributes to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, several individuals may pursue legal claims, including:
- Infected Individuals: Those who contracted the disease can file claims for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related damages.
- Legal Guardians: Guardians of minors or incapacitated persons who contracted Legionnaires’ disease may file claims on their behalf.
- Family Members: In cases where the disease leads to a death, close family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, can file wrongful death claims to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
How to Prove a Legionnaires’ Disease Claim
To succeed in a Legionnaires’ disease claim in Fort Worth, a plaintiff (victim) must demonstrate that negligence caused their illness. The case often hinges on demonstrating the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant (at-fault party) had a legal obligation to maintain water systems properly to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant neglected this responsibility, whether by improper maintenance, failing to disinfect water systems, or neglecting regular inspections.
- Causation: Evidence must show that the breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff’s illness. This often requires linking the bacteria source to the defendant’s property through environmental testing and outbreak investigations.
- Damages: Plaintiffs must prove they suffered specific losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the disease.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability for a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Fort Worth can fall on several parties, such as:
- Property Owners/Managers: Responsible for maintaining safe water systems in buildings they oversee.
- Maintenance Contractors: Can be held accountable if improper servicing of water systems leads to bacterial growth.
- Employers: Liable if an outbreak occurs at work due to failure to maintain a safe environment.
- Product Manufacturers: Liable under product liability laws if defective equipment, such as a water heater, contributes to the spread of Legionella.
Contact Our Fort Worth Legionnaires’ Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been affected by Legionnaires’ disease in Fort Worth, our experienced Fort Worth Legionnaires Attorney is committed to helping you hold negligent parties accountable. Contact us online or call (833) 330-3663 today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
