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Batavia, IL Legionnaires’ Disease Attorney

Lawyers for Injuries Related to the Kane County Legionella Outbreak

Batavia, IL Legionnaires Disease Attorney

In August and September of 2019, residents of Covenant Living at the Holmstad in Batavia and people in the surrounding area experienced an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease. Due to the effects of this contagion, which can be especially dangerous for those who are over the age of 50, people who were affected will want to understand their legal options and determine whether they will be able to pursue compensation for the injuries they have suffered.

At the Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to obtain results for those who have been injured because of others’ negligence. If you have contracted Legionnaires’ Disease, we can help determine the source of this contagion, identify the parties who were responsible, and work with you to pursue compensation that addresses the harm that was done to you.

The effects of Legionnaires’ Disease can be devastating and long-lasting. Our attorneys can help you recover compensation that fully addresses the damages you have experienced, including medical bills and pain and suffering. Contact our Batavia personal injury lawyers today at 331-588-6611 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ Disease may be contracted when a person becomes infected with the Legionella bacteria, which is found in natural bodies of water such as rivers and ponds as well as man-made water sources. Typically, a person becomes exposed when breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease are similar to pneumonia, and they may include headaches, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, confusion, coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and aches in the muscles and joints. People who are especially susceptible to Legionnaires’ Disease include those who are over the age of 50, have a chronic lung disease such as emphysema, or have immune system disorders resulting from conditions such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or HIV. When combined with other serious health conditions, Legionnaires’ Disease can result in lung failure or death.

  • How Serious Is Legionnaires’ Disease?


    According to the CDC, Legionnaires’ Disease is fatal for around 1 in 10 people who become infected.

  • Is Legionnaires’ Disease Contagious?


    The Legionella bacteria is usually not spread from person to person, and it is typically only contracted by breathing in water vapor.

  • How is Legionnaires’ Disease Treated?


    Antibiotics are usually used to kill the bacteria. Hospitalization may be necessary depending on the severity of the symptoms.

What Caused the Batavia Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak?

Legionnaires Disease Attorney

While the specific source of the recent outbreak has not yet been identified, there are a few potential candidates. Since most of the cases reported occurred at the Covenant Living at the Holmstad retirement community, it is possible that Legionella may have been spread through the air conditioning units at this facility. In commercial facilities, the units collect evaporation in a drip pan, and the bacteria may have grown in these pans and been spread throughout the facility when water was vaporized by the units’ fans. A regular cleaning schedule should be followed for these types of units, and if the proper measures were not taken to prevent the growth of Legionella, this may have been the source of the infections.

Another possible cause of the outbreak could be the construction work that is currently being done on the Fabyan Parkway bridge located near Covenant Living at the Holmstad. The high-pressure washers being used during construction may have vaporized bacteria that were present in the river, spreading it throughout the community. For the two reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease have been reported outside of the retirement community, this may have been the source of the bacteria.

Contact a Batavia Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a member of your family have been affected by the outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in Batavia, our skilled attorneys can help you determine your legal options. To arrange a free consultation, contact our office at 331-588-6611.

Meet Our Attorneys

Free Initial Consultations

phone 630-920-8855
address15 North Lincoln Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Our firm handles family law and personal injury matters for clients in Chicago and throughout the western suburbs including DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, Cook County and the cities of Aurora, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Joliet, Kendall County, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Park, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Clarendon Hills, Oswego, Park Ridge, Roselle, St. Charles, Geneva, Villa Park, Warrenville, Wheaton, Western Springs, LaGrange, Winfield, Woodridge and Yorkville.

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