Legionnaires’ disease is a dangerous and potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria, typically found in contaminated water systems.
When outbreaks occur, they are often the result of negligence — such as poorly maintained cooling towers, plumbing systems, or HVAC units. If you or a loved one has contracted Legionnaires’ disease due to unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to legal compensation.
At Kline & Specter, our team of more than 50 attorneys – five of whom are also medical doctors – is experienced in handling complex public health cases involving severe injury or wrongful death. We represent clients in Philadelphia and nationwide who have suffered due to preventable Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. It is named for an outbreak that occurred in 1976 at a hotel in Philadelphia, where an American Legion convention was being held.
This condition cannot be spread person-to-person and is often linked to:
- Contaminated cooling towers (commonly on commercial buildings or hospitals)
- Hot tubs, fountains, or decorative water features
- Plumbing systems in hotels, nursing homes, or apartment buildings
- Industrial water systems or workplace exposure
Symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and confusion. In vulnerable individuals, the disease can rapidly progress and result in organ failure or death. According to the CDC, approximately one in 10 people with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications.
Who May Be Liable in a Legionnaires’ Outbreak?
Liability in a Legionnaires’ disease case often stems from the failure of property owners, facility managers, or building maintenance teams to adhere to public safety standards. Defendants may include:
- Hotel or apartment complex owners
- Nursing homes or hospitals
- HVAC or water system maintenance companies
- Property managers
- Government agencies
Kline & Specter investigates the source of the contamination, identifies negligent parties, and builds strong legal claims backed by expert analysis and evidence.
What to Do If You’ve Been Diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease
If you think you might have Legionnaires’ disease:
- Seek immediate medical treatment and follow all recommended care protocols.
- Document your activities and whereabouts in the 2–14 days preceding the onset of symptoms.
- Contact an experienced Legionnaires’ disease attorney to protect your rights and begin investigating the source of your illness.
- Take prompt legal action. This helps you uncover critical evidence and can prevent future outbreaks.
Why Choose Kline & Specter?
Kline & Specter has earned a national reputation for successfully litigating high-profile cases involving public safety failures, environmental hazards, and wrongful death.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Proven Track Record: We have secured hundreds of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, including a record-setting $8 billion pharmaceutical verdict and a $2.25 billion toxic exposure verdict.
- Elite Legal and Medical Team: With over 50 attorneys and five doctor-lawyers, we bring unmatched expertise to medically complex cases.
- National Recognition: We have been described as “the most powerful plaintiffs firm in the city” by the Philadelphia Business Journal and a “powerhouse law firm” by The New York Times.
- Advocates for Safer Communities: Our cases have led to systemic safety reforms, including changes in hospital protocols and building safety standards.
Discuss Your Case Today
If you or a loved one has been affected by Legionnaires’ disease, don’t wait to get help. Kline & Specter provides robust legal representation for individuals harmed by public health failures and environmental negligence. Call 215-772-1000 or submit our contact form to find out if you have a valid legal claim.
