Yes, if there is evidence supporting your personal injury or wrongful death claim, you and your family can file a lawsuit for compensation against the VA Medical Center responsible for the fatal Legionnaires’ disease case. Wrongful death claims are statutory, and a court-appointed trustee (generally a family member) files the lawsuit on behalf of the entire family.
Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit Information
“Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria,” said Fred Pritzker, a lead lawyer for our Legionnaires’ cases who recently won millions in a wrongful death lawsuit for a family who lost a wife and mother. “Owners of public buildings, including hospitals, are required to take measures to prevent Legionella contamination, to test water for the presence of the bacteria and to take immediate action if it is found. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers have a duty to protect both patients and visitors in this way.”
Contact our Lawyers about a Lawsuit against the VA
Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak at Pittsburgh VA Hospital
Over 20 patients of the Pittsburgh VA contracted Legionnaires’ disease during 2011 and most of 2012. Five of the patients died. Several lawsuits have been filed, and more are expected.
An investigation of the outbreak by the Department of Veterans Affairs found the following problems:
- Lack of documentation of system monitoring for substantial periods of time;
- Inconsistent communication and coordination between the Infection Prevention Team and Facility Management Service staff;
- Failure to conduct routine flushing of hot water faucets and showers;
- Failure to use appropriate corrective action when there were positive cultures of Legionella;
- Failure to recognize healthcare-associated cases of Legionnaires’ disease for an extended period of time;
- Failure to take preventative measures when patients were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires Disease at the Waco VA Medical Center
One patient at the Waco VA Medical Center has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. An investigation found Legionella bacteria in buildings at the Waco VA Medical Center. Texas health officials are still doing tests on water samples from the medical center’s many buildings, so it is unknown how many building have water contaminated with this deadly bacteria. The one diagnosed patient was living in the Waco VA Community Living Center.
Attorneys Fred Pritzker and Eric Hageman are our lead lawyers for these cases. You can contact them for a free consultation (click here).
