Maryland Personal Injury Blog

Maryland Seniors at Risk in Legionnaire’s Infected Living Facility

By injuheis on December 18, 2009

According to a Chicago Tribune article, a recent outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease has afflicted residents at a Maryland senior living facility and sparked concern amongst others. Reportedly, one person has already succumbed to the disease, while four others remain afflicted. A current investigation into the cause of the outbreak is underway, with officials from both the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Baltimore Health Department interviewing residents and testing the facility’s water source.

Legionnaire’s disease is a form of bacterial pneumonia that is caused by Legionella bacteria, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is often found in water sources such as hot tubs and air-conditioning cooling towers. Air-conditioning and plumbing systems are breeding grounds for the bacteria, and it is the responsibility of facilities catering to residents and visitors to ensure that such systems are in proper working order and are not harboring the airborne bacteria. Legionnaire’s disease is spread when a person inhales contaminated water droplets, and it cannot be spread from person to person.

Outbreaks of disease in any location where people are in close proximity to one another is always cause for concern. However, when a disease isn’t even spread via human interaction, but through some other more preventable component, it becomes the responsibility of the individual or entity in charge of said component to take the necessary action in order to correct the problem. Negligent behavior and failure to act should never be an excuse for another person’s pain and suffering.

If you have fallen ill due to Legionnaire’s disease or any other ailment that may have been caused by negligent behavior on the part of another person, don’t hesitate to contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” for a free evaluation of your case. As an experienced Legionnaire’s disease lawyer, Steven H. Heisler will ensure that your rights are upheld at all times. Personal injury claims should not be ignored, and those responsible for your injuries or illness should be held accountable for their actions. Please call us today for a case consultation.

Source:http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/bal-md.hs.legionnaires16oct16,0,7986418.story

Posted in Legionnaire's Disease |