WHAT LEGAL RIGHTS DO VICTIMS OF THE BRONX LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE OUTBREAK HAVE? www.lawyertime.com
There have been over 100 confirmed cases and 12 deaths in the Bronx so far this summer in 2015. It has been linked to five public places that have since been decontaminated. This has caused the City Health Department to require that all buildings with a water-cooling tower in NYC must be assessed and decontaminated by August 21, 2015, even if no contamination is found.
5 Bronx Cooling Towers Identified: Lincoln Medical Center Concourse Plaza Opera House Hotel A Verizon building Streamline Plastic Co
All have been decontaminated so far. If you or someone you love has suffered from exposure to Legionnaire’s Disease or think you may have been exposed in one of these 5 contaminated buildings, it is important to seek medical assistance and contact an attorney to help protect you legal rights. The legal team at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. is currently investigating Legionnaire’s Disease cases. Our legal team has already resolved two major cases involving Legionnaire’s Disease, for the families of two patients who died after being exposed to Legionnaire’s Disease while seeking treatment at a hospital for an un-related condition.
What is Legionnaire’s Disease? According to the CDC, Legionnaire’s Disease (also known as ‘legionellosis’) is a potentially life-threatening form on pneumonia caused by breathing the bacteria Legionella into the lungs through water vapor or mist. Up to 18,000 people are hospitalized each year from this disease. It’s most common in hospitals, office buildings, cruise ships and hotels, where old, outdated heating and cooling systems are still utilized. The bacteria live and thrive in warm, wet places like the pipes and tanks of air conditioning systems, hot water systems, whirlpool/hot tubs, ice machines or misting equipment. The bacteria can also be spread through fountains, ponds and creeks. People can be exposed to these vapors not just by drinking infected water or showering in it, but simply from breathing in the water vapors they are exposed to in the air. You cannot spread Legionnaire’s Disease from person to person.
Most outbreaks tend to occur in the summer and early fall. Legionnaire’s Disease got its name from the first reported outbreak at the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia, PA in 1976. Mortality rates were high in that case due to inadequate antibiotics that were used to treat the unknown disease. Rates have since gone down if symptoms are treated immediately. Many people don’t even realize they have Legionnaire’s Disease, which is why most cases tend to go undiagnosed (up to 90% of cases). Some show little or even no symptoms. Others assume it’s something else, such as a bad cold, the flu or pneumonia.
Symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease: Fever Chills Cough Muscle ache Headache Confusion/ Impaired cognition Loss of appetite Vomiting Diarrhea
Legionnaire’s Disease can have up to a 30% mortality rate. People most at risk include: People age 50 or older Smokers People with lung diseases People with weakened immune symptoms
A doctor can test for Legionnaire’s Disease by a mucus, urine or blood test. There are antibiotics available to treat the disease.
Do I Need a Legionnaire’s Disease Attorney? If you or a loved one has suffered from the horrible illness, a Legionnaire’s Disease attorney can assist and guide you in obtaining compensation for your pain and suffering. These cases are complicated and require the assistance of a team of attorneys who have knowledge in this specific field of law. The law firm you ultimately select should have the financial resources to be able to investigate the facts and hire the necessary experts to hold the liable parties accountable for their negligence. The legal team at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. has what it takes to help you obtain the full compensation that you deserve. We have the financial resources to obtain all necessary experts and conduct a full blown investigation where necessary. When you are injured by the negligence or recklessness of another party or corporation, you can count on us.
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