Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially serious lung infection caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria. The illness is typically contracted by inhaling small droplets of water containing the bacteria and can result in severe symptoms requiring medical treatment or hospital care.

Legionella bacteria can develop in poorly maintained water systems and are commonly associated with buildings, hotels, workplaces, leisure facilities and healthcare environments.

Where Legionnaires’ disease occurs because appropriate steps were not taken to manage known risks, it may be possible to bring a personal injury claim.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by infection with Legionella bacteria.

People typically become exposed through contaminated water droplets generated by systems such as:

• Cooling towers
• Hot and cold water systems
• Showers and taps
• Air conditioning systems
• Spa pools and hot tubs
• Decorative fountains

The illness is not usually spread from person to person.

How does Legionnaires’ disease occur?

Legionella bacteria can multiply where water systems are not properly managed, maintained or monitored.

Common causes include:

• Poorly maintained water systems
• Inadequate water temperature control
• Lack of regular cleaning and disinfection
• Failures in water safety management procedures
• Stagnant water in pipework or storage systems
• Failure to identify and control known Legionella risks

Outbreaks can occur in commercial premises, workplaces, hotels, residential buildings and public facilities.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease

Symptoms can vary in severity but often include:

• High temperature or fever
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Chest pain

In more serious cases, individuals may require hospital treatment and extended recovery periods.

Some people may experience ongoing health effects after the initial illness.

Responsibilities for managing Legionella risks

Businesses, organisations and property managers responsible for water systems are expected to take reasonable steps to control Legionella risks.

This may include:

• Carrying out Legionella risk assessments
• Monitoring water systems
• Maintaining appropriate water temperatures
• Cleaning and disinfecting systems regularly
• Investigating potential contamination issues
• Following established water safety procedures

Where these responsibilities are not met and illness occurs, liability may arise.

The impact of Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease can have a significant impact on health and daily life.

This may include:

• Extended periods away from work
• Medical treatment and recovery
• Hospitalisation
• Financial losses caused by absence from work
• Ongoing respiratory symptoms
• Longer-term health complications

Recovery times can vary considerably depending on the severity of the illness and the individual affected.

Claiming compensation for Legionnaires’ disease

If Legionnaires’ disease was caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria in circumstances where reasonable precautions were not taken, compensation may be available.

A claim may take account of:

• The severity of the illness
• Medical treatment received
• Loss of earnings
• Recovery time
• The impact on day-to-day life
• Any ongoing symptoms or complications

Each claim depends on the source of the exposure and the evidence available.

How our personal injury solicitors can help

Our Personal Injury team can assist with Legionnaires’ disease claims by:

• Reviewing how the exposure occurred
• Assessing whether appropriate water management procedures were followed
• Considering who may be responsible
• Gathering relevant medical and environmental evidence
• Explaining funding options, including no win no fee arrangements and Legal Expenses Insurance, where available

Every case is assessed individually and based on its own circumstances.

What happens first?

The first step is a confidential, no-obligation conversation.

We will listen to what has happened, explain whether a claim may be possible and discuss the options available.

There is no pressure to proceed, and any discussion can take place at a pace that feels right for you.

Time limits for Legionnaires’ disease claims

Personal injury claims are subject to time limits. In most cases, a claim must be started within three years of the illness or the date you became aware that your illness may have been caused by Legionella exposure.

Early investigation can be important, particularly where environmental evidence, maintenance records or public health investigations may be relevant.

Legionnaires’ disease claims – frequently asked questions

Can I claim compensation for Legionnaires’ disease?

A claim may be possible where the illness was caused by exposure that could reasonably have been prevented through proper management of water systems.

How do people catch Legionnaires’ disease?

The illness is usually contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets from affected systems such as showers, cooling towers or air conditioning systems.

Can Legionnaires’ disease be linked to hotels or workplaces?

Yes. Exposure can occur in a variety of environments, including hotels, workplaces, healthcare settings, leisure facilities and residential buildings.

Do I need medical evidence to bring a claim?

Medical records are often important in establishing the diagnosis and assessing the impact of the illness.

Can more than one person be affected by the same source?

Yes. Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks can involve multiple individuals where a contaminated water system affects a number of people.

Speak to us about a Legionnaires’ disease claim

If you have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and believe it may have been caused by exposure to contaminated water systems, we understand how serious the impact can be.

An initial conversation can help you understand your position and what options may be available, with no obligation to proceed.

Contact our Personal Injury team to discuss a Legionnaires’ disease claim in confidence.

Contact our Personal Injury team at Clarkson Wright & Jakes on 01689 887887 or at cwj@cwj.co.uk to discuss a defective work equipment claim. 

Alternatively, you can complete our Personal Injury Calculator here.