By Perkins Law Offices in Miami and Boca Raton, FL- Cruise Injury Lawyers
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by inhaling water vapor or mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Symptoms include high fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can lead to complications like septic shock or acute kidney injury, with approximately 1 in 10 cases resulting in death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Survivors may face long-term health issues, such as neurological problems or chronic fatigue.
Those most at risk include:
- Individuals over 50 years old
- Current or former smokers
- People with weakened immune systems
- Those with chronic lung diseases or cancer
While treatable with antibiotics, early diagnosis is critical, as there is no vaccine to prevent the disease.
Where Is Legionnaires’ Disease Commonly Found?
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant, or slow-moving water, making certain environments particularly susceptible to outbreaks. Common sources include:
- Hot tubs and spas: Inadequate chlorination or poor maintenance can allow bacteria to multiply.
- Cooling towers: Found in large buildings like hotels, these systems can aerosolize contaminated water.
- Plumbing systems: Showerheads, faucets, and water heaters in hotels, apartments, or hospitals are prime breeding grounds if not properly maintained.
- Decorative fountains: Often found in resorts or public spaces, these can harbor Legionella if water is not regularly disinfected.
- Cruise ship water systems: Complex water systems on ships can become contaminated without rigorous maintenance. So can all of the pool and hot tub equipment. Perkins law offices has a niche practice in Miami suing the major cruise lines who are based there.
In Florida, the warm climate and high humidity create ideal conditions for Legionella growth. The state reports 200–300 cases annually, with a significant spike from August to October. In 2020, Florida accounted for nearly 60% of U.S. Legionnaires’ disease cases linked to healthcare facility water systems, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Recent outbreaks highlight the ongoing risk. For example, in 2023, two cases were confirmed in Lake County, Florida, linked to a hot tub in a 55+ community. Such incidents underscore the importance of proper water management to prevent outbreaks.
Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
Who Can You Sue for Legionnaires’ Disease?
Anyone can sue if they are injured by contracting the disease and liability can be established. When Legionnaires’ disease results from negligence, multiple parties may be held liable. A Legionnaires’ lawyer can help identify responsible entities, which may include:
- Cruise lines: Complex water systems on cruise ships require oversight. Outbreaks, such as those reported on vessels like Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Lines, demonstrate the high risks when protocols are not followed in confined space utilized by thousands of people.
- Hotels and resorts: Failure to maintain hot tubs, cooling towers, or plumbing systems can lead to outbreaks. Guests who contract the disease during their stay may have a valid claim.
- Apartment complexes: Property managers or owners are responsible for ensuring safe water systems. Negligent maintenance can expose residents to Legionella.
- Healthcare facilities: Hospitals and nursing homes must adhere to strict water safety standards, as immunocompromised patients are highly vulnerable.
- Property managers or maintenance contractors: Those tasked with designing, installing, or maintaining water systems may be liable if their negligence contributes to an outbreak.
To succeed in a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit, you must prove that the defendant’s negligence—such as failing to clean or disinfect water systems—caused your illness. This requires evidence like health department reports, maintenance records, and medical documentation, which an experienced Legionnaires’ attorney in Florida can help gather.
Why Choose Perkins Law Offices for Your Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit?
At Perkins Law Offices, our personal injury lawyers in Miami and Boca Raton have a proven track record of handling complex lawsuits related to illness and outbreaks from food poison, food allergies, cabon monoxide poisoning, complications from Norovirus, and Legionnaires’ disease lawsuits. We understand the devastating impact this illness can have on victims and their families, from mounting medical bills to long-term health challenges. Alex Perkins is our lead attorney and is committed to fighting for maximum compensation, including damages for:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, antibiotics, and ongoing care)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death (if a loved one passed away due to the disease)
We have successfully represented clients against hotels, cruise lines, apartment complexes, and other entities responsible for Legionnaires’ outbreaks. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also collaborate with experts to build a strong case, securing critical evidence like water testing results and maintenance logs.
Long-Tail Keywords for Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuits
To ensure your case reaches the right audience, we target specific long-tail keywords that reflect what victims search for, including:
Take Action Today with Perkins Law Offices
If you or a loved one contracted Legionnaires’ disease due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek justice. If you have Googled Legionnaires’ disease lawyer near me, and have found this website, you are in the right place. We are your Cruise ship Legionnaires’ disease lawyer and your Apartment complex Legionnaires’ attorney. Florida’s statute of limitations for Legionnaires’ disease compensation against a hotel or apartment complex in Florida is two years from the date of exposure, so acting quickly is crucial.
Contact Perkins Law Offices for a free consultation with a Legionnaires’ disease lawyerwho cares about you and understands the dangerous disease. We’ll review your case, investigate the source of the outbreak, and fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. We are real lawyers who handle real cases. We will file your Miami Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit anywhere in Florida.
Call us today for free at 305-741-5297 or visit PerkinsLawOffices.com to schedule your consultation. Let our experienced Legionnaires’ attorneys in Florida help you secure the compensation you deserve.
