A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak has been associated with the Super 8 motel in Lacey, Washington, according to Thurston County health officials. The county reported the outbreak on July 2, 2015, stating there were 2 confirmed cases. The outbreak has now grown to 3 confirmed cases and one suspected case.
Thurston County officials have been contacting people who stayed at the Super 8 located at 112 College Street S.E., but even someone briefly visiting the hotel could have been sickened. They have also put information on the federal outbreak alert system, Epi-X, which is managed by the CDC. With this alert, health officials from other states can watch for other cases that may be linked to the Lacey Super 8.
Can I Sue the owner of the Super 8 motel for Legionnaires’ disease pneumonia?
You have a personal injury claim against the owner of the Super 8 in Lacey, Washington, if the following is true:
- You were at the Super 8 motel in Lacey, Washington, within 10 days of getting symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease (LD);
- You were diagnosed with LD;
- The DNA pattern of the Legionella bacteria (the pathogen that causes LD) that made you sick is similar to the DNA pattern of any Legionella found in water at the motel.
The only known way for humans to contract Legionnaires’ disease is breathing in water mist containing Legionella, according to the CDC. For example, if a motel hot tub is contaminated with Legionella, everyone who breathes in any of the water mist created by hot tub is at risk of breathing in Legionella and getting LD pneumonia. The water mist could also be from a swimming pool, shower, faucet, fountain or air conditioning unit.
Motel owners are required by law to provide a safe environment for visitors. Because hotels and motels are a common location for Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, this includes taking measures to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria in water systems and periodic testing to make sure there is not contamination.