What Damages Can You Claim in a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit?

If you contracted Legionnaires’ disease as part of an outbreak at a poorly maintained property, you may be able to hold the property owner or operator liable for the damages you sustained. Typical defendants in a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit include hospitals, hotels, resorts, and owners of other heavily populated properties. When Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are allowed to progress, they can have a substantial impact on a victim’s financial wellbeing. Victims of Legionnaires’ disease may have grounds for a toxic exposure lawsuit. Similar to other illness-based personal injury claims, plaintiffs in a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit can recover compensatory damages. These damages are intended to reimburse victims for the costs they sustain as a result of the illness.

Who Can You Sue After Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease?

The party responsible for a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak can vary depending on the circumstances that gave way to the surplus of Legionella bacteria. Hospitals, nursing homes, resorts, pools, hotels, motels, and other facilities can be liable for a Legionella outbreak if the bacteria grew from negligent maintenance practices. This is because property owners owe a duty of care to patrons to maintain a safe environment. When that duty is violated, as in cases involving the growth of dangerous bacteria, the property owner or operator can be held liable.

Chicago Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer

Q: What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease, or Legionellosis, is a form of pneumonia acquired through a bacterial infection. This infection is sourced from a bacterium known as Legionella. In most cases, Legionella bacteria are inhaled during exposure to contaminated water or soil. In some Legionnaires' disease cases, Legionella exposure causes milder illnesses, such as Pontiac fever. Although exposure to Legionella bacterium isn't inherently life-threatening, Legionnaires’ disease can become fatal when left untreated. Legionellosis becomes deadly when the illness progresses to organ failure or respiratory failure. Vulnerable populations, such as older adults, smokers, and other victims with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of suffering complications after exposure to Legionella.

Q: Where Do Legionella Outbreaks Occur Most Often?

Legionnaires’ disease is contracted through exposure to Legionella bacteria. Legionella outbreaks occur most often in polluted water sources with temperatures between 68 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit. These water sources can be natural or manufactured. Victims do not need to come directly into contact with contaminated water to become infected with Legionella bacteria. Instead, an infection can manifest simply from inhalation. The most common places for Legionella outbreaks to occur are: Natural Water Sources Natural water sources are the most prominent breeding ground for Legionella bacteria. This bacterium frequently presents itself in streams, creeks, rivers, hot springs, lakes, and other natural bodies of water. Some potting mixes may even be contaminated with Legionella. Although Legionnaires’ disease can have naturally-occurring sources, large scale outbreaks more commonly occur in artificial settings. Purpose-Built Water Systems Water systems built for the purpose of sustaining infrastructure, such as plumbing systems, air conditioning systems, humidifiers, gym showers, produce sprayers at supermarkets, and water heaters, run the risk of contamination when they go unmaintained. Typically, these outbreaks occur in the plumbing and ventilation systems of large facilities, such as hotels and hospitals. Outbreaks may also occur in recreational water sources, like spas, pools, and hot tubs.

Q: How does Legionnaires’ disease spread?

Legionnaires’ disease spreads through exposure to Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria exposure can occur under a variety of circumstances, including polluted natural water sources, purpose-built water systems, and recreational water sources, like pools and spas. Victims do not need to come into direct contact with polluted water to contract Legionnaires’ disease. Simply breathing in contaminated aerosols or water vapors can cause a victim to sustain an illness. This means Legionella bacteria can also thrive in ventilation systems and air conditioning units.

Q: Who can you sue for contracting Legionnaires’ disease?

You may have grounds for a Legionnaires’ lawsuit if you contracted the disease from a traceable outbreak. If you can trace your Legionella exposure back to a specific property or outbreak, you can identify the at-fault party and hold them accountable for causing illness through poorly maintained water systems. Outbreaks that qualify for a lawsuit or claim are typically sourced in hospitals, nursing homes, gyms, pools, spas, hotels, and residential facilities. Lab testing, formal diagnosis, and the help of a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can aid you in identifying the party at-fault for your illness.

Q: What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?

The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease mirror those associated with other forms of pneumonia. They include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Symptoms may also progress to confusion, nausea, and diarrhea. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically appear within 2 to 14 days of exposure to Legionella bacteria.

If you developed Legionnaires’ disease after exposure in a hotel, hospital, or public facility in Chicago, you may have a legal claim. Property owners and operators have a duty to maintain safe water systems. When they fail, people get seriously sick.

At Ankin Law, we investigate the source of Legionella outbreaks, identify where maintenance broke down, and pursue compensation for the harm caused.

Call (312) 600-0000 for a free consultation.

“Legionnaires’ disease is not random. In many cases, it traces back to preventable failures in water system maintenance, cleaning protocols, or oversight. When those failures happen in places that are supposed to be safe, accountability matters.”

~ Howard Ankin, Founder

Table of Contents

What You Need to Know About Legionnaires’ Disease

This is not a rare or unpredictable illness. Legionella bacteria grow in neglected water systems, including those in hotels, hospitals, apartment buildings, and gyms. When those systems are not properly cleaned, monitored, or maintained, people get sick.

Some exposures lead to a milder illness called Pontiac fever. But when Legionnaires’ disease develops, it can escalate quickly and require hospitalization.

Left untreated, it can become life-threatening.

Older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk. But anyone exposed to contaminated water systems can develop the disease.

What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria. In most cases, people become infected by breathing in contaminated water droplets from poorly maintained systems, not by drinking water.

Complications of Legionnaires’ Disease

When Legionnaires’ disease progresses, it does not stay contained to the lungs. It can affect multiple systems in the body and lead to serious, long-term health consequences.

Respiratory Failure

Severe infection can overwhelm the lungs. When this happens, the body cannot get enough oxygen or remove carbon dioxide effectively. Patients may require ventilation or intensive care to survive.

Septic Shock

In some cases, the infection spreads into the bloodstream. This can trigger septic shock, a dangerous drop in blood pressure that leads to organ failure. Without rapid treatment, septic shock can be fatal.

Acute Kidney Failure

Low oxygen levels, infection, and unstable blood pressure can cause the kidneys to shut down. When this happens, the body can no longer filter waste properly, leading to toxic buildup.

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Endocarditis

In rare cases, the infection can reach the heart. This causes inflammation of the heart’s inner lining and valves, which can lead to permanent damage or death if not treated quickly.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Some patients develop neurological complications after severe infection. Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause numbness, weakness, and, in serious cases, paralysis. Symptoms may worsen over time and require long-term care.

We welcome the opportunity to evaluate your Legionnaires’ disease case. Contact Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 to get started today.

What Compensation Is Available?

In a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit, you can pursue compensatory damages. These are designed to cover both the financial losses and the personal impact of the illness. There are two primary categories.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the measurable costs tied to your illness.

These may include:

Emergency room and hospital treatment
Ongoing medical care and follow-up treatment
Prescription medications and medical equipment
Long-term care for complications
Lost wages during recovery
Reduced ability to work in the future

Medical records, billing statements, and employment documentation are typically used to prove these losses.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages reflect how the illness affects your life beyond the bills.

These may include:

Physical pain and ongoing symptoms
Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
Loss of normal daily activities
Disability or long-term health complications
Impact on relationships with family members

These damages are harder to calculate, but they are often a significant part of a Legionnaires’ disease claim.

What Determines the Value of Your Legionnaires’ Disease Case?

The value of a Legionnaires’ disease claim depends on:

The severity of the illness
Whether hospitalization or intensive care was required
Long-term or permanent complications
Time missed from work
The strength of evidence linking the illness to a specific property

A Legionnaires’ disease lawyer evaluates these factors to estimate how much your case is worth

Where Do Legionella Outbreaks Occur Most Often?

Legionella bacteria grow in water. But outbreaks don’t just happen anywhere. They happen in places where water systems are not properly maintained.

People become infected by breathing in contaminated water droplets, not by drinking water. That means outbreaks are often tied to systems that release mist, vapor, or aerosolized water into the air. In many cases, these incidents are preventable.

High-Risk Locations for Legionella Outbreaks

Most Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks occur in large buildings and facilities with complex water systems.

These include:

Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Nursing homes and assisted living centers
Residential care facilities
Hotels and resorts
Apartment buildings and residential complexes
Gyms, spas, and fitness centers
Office buildings and commercial properties

These properties rely on extensive plumbing and water circulation systems. If those systems are not routinely cleaned, tested, and monitored, Legionella bacteria can grow and spread.

Common Sources of Exposure

Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments, especially when systems are neglected.

Common sources include:

Cooling towers and HVAC systems
Showers and faucets
Hot tubs and pools
Decorative fountains and water features
Humidifiers and misting systems
Water heaters and storage tanks

When contaminated water is released into the air, people nearby can inhale the bacteria without realizing it.

Natural vs. Man-Made Sources

Legionella bacteria can exist in natural water sources like lakes and rivers. But large outbreaks are far more likely to come from man-made systems.

That’s because artificial water systems require ongoing maintenance. When that maintenance is ignored or done improperly, bacteria can multiply quickly and spread throughout an entire building.

Why This Matters for Your Case

Legionnaires’ disease cases often come down to one question. Was this preventable?

In many situations, the answer is yes.

Property owners and operators are responsible for maintaining safe water systems. When they fail to inspect, clean, or monitor those systems, they create the conditions for an outbreak.

Identifying where the exposure occurred is a key step in holding the right party accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Legionnaires’ Disease?

Liability depends on where the exposure occurred and who was responsible for maintaining the water system.

Potentially liable parties may include:

Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Nursing homes and assisted living centers
Hotels, motels, and resorts
Apartment buildings and residential complexes
Gyms, spas, and recreational facilities

These entities have a duty to monitor, clean, and maintain their water systems. When they fail to do that, and Legionella bacteria grows as a result, they can be held accountable.

When to Speak With a Lawyer

If you were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and believe it traces back to a specific property, timing matters. Evidence tied to contaminated water systems, maintenance logs, and inspection records can disappear quickly. An early investigation can make the difference in identifying the source and proving liability.

Call (312) 600-0000 to discuss your case.

Filing a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit

If you developed Legionnaires’ disease due to a contaminated water system, you may have a claim. But these cases depend on one critical factor. You need to identify where the exposure happened and who was responsible for maintaining that system.

Seek Medical Attention and Confirm the Diagnosis

Your health comes first. Legionnaires’ disease can escalate quickly without treatment.

Medical records also play a central role in your case. A confirmed diagnosis links your illness to Legionella exposure and creates a timeline that helps trace where the infection occurred.

Identify the Source of Exposure

These cases often turn on where the exposure happened.

An investigation may involve:

Reviewing building maintenance and water system records
Identifying other reported cases or outbreaks
Analyzing inspection reports and safety violations

The goal is to connect your illness to a specific property or system.

Work With a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer

Once the source is identified, your attorney builds the claim.

This includes:

Calculating the full extent of your damages
Preparing and sending a demand to the responsible party
Negotiating with insurers or defense counsel

If the case is disputed, your lawyer prepares it for litigation.

Your First Steps After a Legionnaires’ Diagnosis

If you suspect your illness is tied to an outbreak, take these steps right away:

Get a confirmed diagnosis from a medical professional
Document where you’ve recently stayed, worked, or visited
Avoid speaking with insurers before understanding your rights
Contact a lawyer to begin investigating the source
Preserve any records tied to your illness and exposure

Early action makes it easier to trace the outbreak and protect key evidence.

Statute of Limitations in Illinois

Legionnaires’ disease claims are subject to strict deadlines.

In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date the illness is discovered to file a lawsuit. Certain exceptions may apply, but waiting too long can prevent you from recovering compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legionnaires’ Disease

If you have questions about Legionnaires’ disease and your legal options, you’re not alone. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns about how the illness spreads, who may be responsible, and what steps you can take next.

How does Legionnaires’ disease spread?

Legionnaires’ disease spreads when a person breathes in water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.

This typically happens through mist or vapor from sources like showers, cooling systems, hot tubs, or HVAC units. You do not need to drink contaminated water to become infected. In many cases, exposure happens in buildings with poorly maintained water or ventilation systems.

Who can you sue for contracting Legionnaires’ disease?

You can pursue a claim against the property owner or operator responsible for the contaminated water system.

This may include hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, apartment buildings, gyms, or other facilities. If the outbreak can be traced to a specific location and linked to poor maintenance, that party may be held liable for your illness.

What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease symptoms often resemble severe pneumonia.

Common symptoms include:

Cough
Shortness of breath
Fever
Muscle aches
Headaches

In more serious cases, symptoms may progress to confusion, nausea, or diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure.

Do You Have a Legionnaires’ Disease Case?

Not every Legionnaires’ disease diagnosis leads to a legal claim. But when the illness can be traced back to a poorly maintained water system, there may be a clear path to holding the responsible party accountable.

In general, you may have a case if:

You were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease
Your exposure can be linked to a specific property or location
That property failed to properly maintain its water system
You suffered medical, financial, or personal harm as a result

These cases often involve hotels, hospitals, Chicago nursing homes, apartment buildings, and other facilities where water systems require ongoing monitoring and maintenance. In many cases, multiple victims contract the illness, triggering mass torts.

The key issue is whether the illness could have been prevented. If the answer is yes, the property owner or operator may be liable.

The best way to find out is to have your situation reviewed. A Legionnaires’ disease lawyer at Ankin Law can assess where the exposure likely occurred, what evidence is available, and what options you have moving forward.

Call (312) 600-0000 to discuss your case.