The Dangers of Legionnaires’ Disease

 Posted on October 11, 2025 in Food Poisoning

Every year, thousands of people across the country contract legionnaires’ disease, a kind of pneumonia that comes from legionella bacteria. This illness can present with severe symptoms, and a significant percentage of legionnaires' disease infections result in death. If you suspect that you have contracted this illness due to the negligence of another party, be sure to seek medical attention and reach out to an Illinois food poisoning lawyer.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can help you take legal action to pursue compensation for your illness. Our firm has specific experience handling food poisoning claims, from individual cases to class action lawsuits. You deserve a fair remedy for the damages you have suffered, especially for a life-threatening illness like legionnaires’ disease.

Common Causes of Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionella bacteria are spread through contaminated water droplets, which can result in legionnaires’ disease if the bacteria reach the lungs. In many cases, outbreaks of the disease are caused by contaminated water in an air conditioning system, causing unwitting victims to breathe in the infected droplets. Plumbing systems can also carry the infectious bacteria, leading to infections from hot tubs and showers.

Food is not safe from contamination either. Misting systems in grocery stores can spray vegetables with contaminated water, leading to later infections. Certain risk factors may exacerbate the risk of infection, like those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease.

Health Risks of Legionnaires’ Disease

Most people start to see symptoms of legionnaires’ disease within two to 10 days of infection. Some of these symptoms include:

• High fevers exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Shortness of breath

• Muscle aches

• Profound confusion

An estimated 10 percent of legionnaires’ disease cases result in death. For that reason, it is critical that you go to a doctor or hospital as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. If not treated properly, symptoms may worsen, potentially resulting in septic shock, acute kidney failure, or lung failure. Combatting the disease may require a combination of breathing treatments to circulate oxygen and antibiotics.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease?

Businesses have a responsibility to ensure that their water systems are safe for the general public. When water filtration systems or air conditioning units go a long time without being inspected or serviced, the risk of infection may increase.

Our firm can help you identify a link between your infection and the negligence of the property owner. We can investigate the source of the disease while you recover from the illness, prioritizing your comfort as we build evidence for your claim. We may seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other significant losses.

Additionally, if you lost a loved one to legionnaires’ disease, we can file a wrongful death claim to fight for a remedy for funeral expenses, grief, and long-term economic damages (740 ILCS 180/0.01).

Contact an Illinois Water Poisoning Attorney 

If you suspect that you have contracted legionnaires’ disease from a hotel, restaurant, grocery store, or another location, reach out to Newland & Newland, LLP today and get in contact with one of our Illinois food poisoning lawyers. We offer free consultations at 312-981-0409.