If you or a loved one contracted Legionnaires’ disease from contaminated water in a hotel, hospital, or apartment, Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can help. Our Houston Legionnaires’ disease lawyers represent victims who suffer due to negligent water system maintenance in large buildings. We hold negligent parties accountable and secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in contaminated water systems. Every year, thousands of people become seriously ill due to neglected water maintenance in hotels, hospitals, and other public spaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8,890 Legionnaires disease cases were reported in the United States in 2019, with 421 confirmed cases in Texas alone. These numbers highlight the ongoing risk, especially in large buildings where water system maintenance is neglected. The actual incidence may be significantly higher due to underreporting.
Outbreaks are common in large buildings with aging or poorly maintained plumbing—hotels, healthcare facilities, and apartment complexes—where stagnant water allows bacteria to multiply. Victims frequently suffer from severe respiratory complications, mounting medical bills, and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been affected, a Houston Legionnaires’ disease lawyer at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can help you pursue justice, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure fair compensation for your suffering and financial losses.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe lung infection caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria, commonly found in contaminated water sources. This illness poses a significant health risk, particularly for older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying conditions. The Mayo Clinic states that Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person. Instead, it is contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent long-term complications or fatal outcomes.
Legionella bacteria grow in temperatures ranging from 77°F to 113°F, making water systems like cooling towers, fountains, hot tubs, and humidifiers ideal breeding grounds. Improper maintenance and disinfection are the principal causes of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, as stagnant water creates an excellent habitat for bacteria development. Regular testing and chlorination of water supplies can considerably lessen the possibility of an epidemic.
Legionnaires’ disease presents symptoms similar to other forms of pneumonia, but early detection is crucial to prevent severe complications and ensure timely, effective medical treatment. The most common symptoms include:
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after exposure, with early signs resembling the flu. Severe cases may require hospitalization and intensive medical care, including oxygen therapy or ventilator support.
Complications can include lung failure, septic shock, and acute kidney injury, especially in vulnerable individuals. Without prompt treatment, Legionnaires’ disease can lead to long-term lung damage and significantly impact a victim’s quality of life.
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Property owners and facility managers have a legal duty to maintain safe water systems and prevent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. When property owners neglect these responsibilities, they can be held legally accountable for the harm their negligence causes.
Common liable parties include:
Establishing liability in a Legionnaires’ disease case requires evidence of negligence, such as poor water maintenance records, lack of disinfection protocols, or a history of previous outbreaks at the same location. A Houston Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can investigate the cause of your illness, determine liability, and build a strong legal case on your behalf.
We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.
When filing a Legionnaires’ disease claim, several types of medical expenses can be recovered, including:
Victims may also recover expenses for specialized equipment, in-home caregiving, or transportation to medical appointments. These costs aim to cover immediate financial burdens and future healthcare needs, ensuring individuals can manage unexpected expenses, access vital care, and achieve long-term medical, emotional, and economic stability.
Comprehensive documentation and expert testimony are key to proving a Legionnaires’ disease claim. Medical records that confirm the diagnosis and link it to Legionella exposure serve as foundational evidence. Equally important are environmental testing results from the suspected contamination site, such as water systems that reveal the presence of Legionella bacteria, which can further substantiate the claim.
Medical professionals and microbiologists can provide critical evidence linking exposure to the condition. Witnesses who were likewise exposed or affected might help bolster the case. Clear proof of carelessness in water system maintenance and precise records of the victim’s suffering and losses can help create a compelling compensation case.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Legionnaires’ disease due to a property owner’s negligence, you have the right to seek justice. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we have the experience and resources to hold those responsible accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of these cases—from medical challenges to environmental factors—and are dedicated to protecting your rights. We work relentlessly to ensure negligent property owners answer for their actions.
Time matters—call us now at 832-402-6637 for a free consultation. Let our team fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.
Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of lawyers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Our lawyers have more than 20 years of legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
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