An investigation conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that an outdated water system is to blame for a Legionnaire’s outbreak that occurred this summer in Quincy, Illinois. The outbreak affected the Illinois Veteran’s Home in Quincy where it claimed the lives of 12 residents. The 129-year-old facility is the oldest one in the state that houses veteran’s and their spouses. The state is now planning to replace the water system that is estimated to cost $4.8 million. Legionnaire’s Disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria that causes a severe form of pneumonia. The elderly residents that became infected with the disease had weakened immune systems causing the effects to be severe. The CDC conducted a thorough investigation for several weeks at the facility and concluded that the bacteria was spread by a lack of maintenance to the cooling building and failure of a pressure valve which created stagnant water. The Illinois Veteran’s Home has recently been approved for operating funds in the amount of $24.6 million.
Illnesses that occur on another party’s property may be subject to premises liability laws. These laws have been established to protect any individual from suffering an injury or illness due to a property owner’s negligence. Slip and fall accidents, food poisoning, dog bites, and drownings are all common examples of premises liability accidents. Lack of proper maintenance is often to blame for these injuries. If you have sustained damages due to the negligence of a property owner or manager, it is important to consult an experienced premises liability attorney.
The St. Louis premises liability attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth will educate you on your rights to receive compensation for damages you have suffered. Our attorneys have recovered over $350 million in compensation and will work to recover the maximum compensation available for your case. Contact us today to receive a free no-obligation consultation.