Two residents at Lakewood Nursing Home in Plainfield, IL have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease State and county health officials are investigating.
Contact the Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ Team
Phone: 1-888-377-8900 | Text: 1-612-261-0856
Contact a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that develops when water mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria is inhaled. It is not transmitted through person-to-person contact.
Former smokers, people over 50 and people with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to Legionella infections than others. Symptoms of an infection include headache, muscle aches, fever, cough and shortness of breath. They usually develop within two to 14 days of exposure. Most people with Legionnaires’ disease require hospitalization and about 10 percent of all cases are fatal.
Legionella bacteria are found in nature but grow best in warm, stagnant water. The complex plumbing systems of hospitals, hotels and long-term health care facilities are common sources of Legionnaires’ outbreaks. Because this risk is well-known, it’s considered an industry standard for owners and operators of these and other large buildings to have a water management plan in place, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Properly implemented, a water management plan can prevent illnesses from occurring.
Lakewood has a management plan and has put water restrictions in place.
If you or a family member are part of an outbreak and you need legal help, please contact our legal team. Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ disease lawyers have decades of experience representing people who have been sickened by Legionella bacteria and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. Call us for a free consultation at 1(888) 377-8900 (toll-free), text 612-261-0856 or use the form below.
