Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak Lawyer

Our Victories

$3.99 Million

In a products liability case for the family of a 54 year old man who died.

Attorney’s fees and expenses totaled $1,716,886.29.

$3.6 Million

In a products liability case for the family of a 58 year old woman who died.

Attorney’s fees and expenses totaled $1,623,284.90.

Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Union County, New Jersey

Did you or a loved one develop Legionnaires’ disease?

If so, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help.   Our attorney understands how to investigate and handle Legionnaires’ disease and contaminated water cases and can help you and your family with a legal claim for serious illness.  We believe that those responsible need to be held accountable for allowing contaminated water.

The consultation is free and we never charge a fee unless we recover money on your behalf. Call 833.330.3663 for a free consultation.

How Do I Know If I Have Legionnaires’ disease from this Outbreak?

A sick person who has symptoms of both pneumonia and gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and/or nausea, should be tested for Legionella. It is only through testing that a doctor can make a diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease.

There are several ways healthcare providers can diagnose Legionnaires’ disease. Many physicians may use chest x-rays or other radiology to compare the lungs and look for infection. Some physicians may also test sputum or mucus of an infected patient via live culture to find the presence of these bacteria in a patient’s lungs.

According to the New Jersey Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, “This is a continuing investigation… Out of an abundance of caution, the Department recommends that individuals who live in Union County who become ill with pneumonia-like/respiratory symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headache, visit their healthcare provider.”

Outbreak Info

22 cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed in Union County since March and 5 of those people have died, New Jersey health officials said Friday.

Health officials described those who died from the disease as five “older adults” who had significant other health problems. The 22 cases between March 8 and May 13 all involved people who live in or visited Union County, though health officials did not provide any more specific information about the outbreak, which they described as a “cluster.”

She noted that a “vast majority” of those who fell ill live in Union County.

The DOH says it is currently working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments in Union County to investigate this cluster.

As it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to develop, so the NJDOH recommends that those who develop these same symptoms within two weeks of visiting Union County seek urgent medical attention. NJDOH has alerted healthcare providers in the area.

However, many cases of Legionnaires’ disease go undiagnosed due to lack of testing. Oftentimes, the disease is misdiagnosed as pneumonia. If you or someone you love lives in the Union County and has pneumonia-like symptoms, medical attention is highly recommended.

"Candess & Jory were extremely valuable resources for me when I contracted food poisoning. They guided me through every step of the legal process from start to finish, always willing to answer questions and be fully transparent. They were able to secure a settlement for me, but what I valued more was how truly concerned they were about my health and well-being beyond my case. I would gladly recommend Candess & Jory to anyone looking for attorneys who will fight on their behalf and really care about their clients."

JOE, FORMER CLIENT

"I cannot recommend Jory Lange highly enough. When my father died, Jory was there and got an unbelievably great settlement (one of the highest settlements in America for for this type of case). I say this not only as a grateful client, but as a trial lawyer myself concentrating in personal injury with over 25 years experience. Jory has the knowledge, the skills, and the ability to handle big personal injury cases and my family and I are exceedingly pleased with the results and the justice that he obtained through very hard work for us. "

JOEL, FORMER CLIENT

Legionnaires’ Disease – Quick Facts

*  Legionnaires’ disease symptoms begin about 2-10 days after exposure to contaminated water droplets or water vapor.

*  These symptoms can include:

  • Cough
  • shortness of breath
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • fever and chills
  • muscle pains
  • headache

*  It is not uncommon for people who are infected with Legionnaires’ disease to require hospitalization and undergo intensive treatments. This is why immediate medical attention for anyone suspecting they have Legionnaires’ disease is highly recommended.

Legionella bacteria (the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease) are usually found in larger buildings, including hotels, hospitals, schools, theme parks, care facilities, and even mega resorts. Legionella bacterium grows well in sources that lack proper maintenance and sanitization. Drinking water systems are the primary source of Legionella bacteria, as are air conditioning units, cooling towers, hot tubs, pools, and even fountains. Further, other places can incubate and spread these bacteria, like humidifiers, whirlpool spas, hot springs, sprinklers, showers, and mist machines.

Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak Bacteria
22 Number of Illnesses Reported
5 Deaths

The Investigation

The New Jersey Department of Health and the CDC is currently investigating this outbreak. As the investigation continues, more cases and states are likely to be linked to the outbreak. The health department confirms that their investigators are testing water towers in the area to identify the exact source.

If you fell seriously ill or were hospitalized with severe pneumonia or Legionnaire’s disease and you reside or have been near Union County, call The Lange Law Firm, PLLC right away.  We’ll get to work on your case immediately and help hold the negligent parties accountable for your illness.

Meet the Attorney

When corporations sell contaminated food or are responsible for contaminated water, Jory Lange helps the families who have been harmed.  One of the nation’s leading food safety lawyers, Jory has helped families from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic, California to Florida, and in states across the nation.

Jory is offering free initial consultations to those infected with Legionnaires’ disease about their legal rights.  For 15 years, Jory has dedicated his law practice to helping families who have been injured by corporations.

Call us today! 833.330.3663

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