The Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ disease legal team has identified a potential outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that emerged sometime around August 2024 in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin and may have continued for a number of months throughout the rest of 2024. Our team has identified at least one person who was staying at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center who was sickened in this outbreak and we believe there may have been a number of other people affected as well.
Environmental testing suggests that an outdoor cooling tower may be the likely source of the Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria in cooling towers can spread through airborne water droplets over a wide area, potentially sickening people even miles away from the source.
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. These bacteria thrive in warm water environments, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and large plumbing systems. Symptoms typically develop 2 to 10 days after exposure and include:
- High fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
Individuals over 50, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial for recovery.
Potential Sources of Exposure
Cooling towers are a frequent source of Legionella infections. These structures can release contaminated water droplets into the air, which can then be inhaled by individuals nearby. Other potential sources include:
- Hot tubs
- Decorative fountains
- Building plumbing systems
In the Milwaukee outbreak, the suspected source is an outdoor cooling tower, which can spread the bacteria over a large area through the wind.
Legal Implications and Your Rights
Property owners and facility managers are responsible for maintaining water systems to prevent Legionella growth. Failure to do so can result in serious health risks and legal liability. If you or a loved one contracted Legionnaires’ disease after visiting downtown Milwaukee around August-December 2024, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Why Choose Pritzker Hageman
Pritzker Hageman is a nationally recognized law firm with extensive experience handling Legionnaires’ disease cases. Our dedicated legal team has successfully represented clients in complex cases involving outbreaks linked to hotels, hospitals, and other facilities. We understand the intricacies of these cases and are committed to securing justice for our clients.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you believe you were affected by this outbreak, contact Pritzker Hageman for a free consultation. Our attorneys will evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
Contact the Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ Legal Team Today
Phone: 1-888-377-8900 | Text: 612-261-0856
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We have obtained 100+ separate verdicts and settlements greater than $1 million:
We obtained this result on behalf of three people sickened in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at a resort hotel.
We obtained this settlement on behalf of six people impacted by a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to a hotel hot tub.
Our client contracted Legionnaires’ disease at a hotel and was hospitalized for eight weeks.
We obtained this settlement on behalf of the family of a woman who died after contracting Legionnaires’ Disease.
Our client contracted Legionnaires’ disease at a hotel and was hospitalized for over a month
We obtained this settlement for a woman sickened with Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed in a hotel hot tub.
We obtained this settlement for the family of a 52-year old man who died of Legionnaires’ disease linked to a hotel.
We recovered this settlement for the family of a 50-year old man who died of Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed to legionella bacteria at a hotel.
Collected on behalf of the family of a man who died as a result of Legionnaires’ Disease contracted while staying at a Wisconsin resort.
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