After a patient’s death, New Jersey health officials tested the water system of St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson and found Legionella, the bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease. The hospital is now contacting more than 200 people who may have been exposed during their stays in late November and early December.
Do You Need a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer?
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe, often fatal, form of pneumonia people get when they breathe in water vapor that is contaminated with Legionella. It is not transmitted through person-to-person contact.
Legionella bacteria are found in nature but thrive in man-made water systems. Outbreaks are often linked to cooling towers, hot tubs, swimming pools, and the complex plumbing systems of large buildings. Hospitals are required to have water management plans to control for Legionella and other dangerous bacteria.
Most people with Legionnaires’ disease require hospitalization. Symptoms usually appear within two to fourteen days of exposure and include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Confusion or other changes in mental status
Who is at Elevated Risk?
Some people at are elevated risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease Including:
- People with weakened immune systems
- Current and former smokers
- People over 50
Additional Information About Legionnaires’ Disease
- Legionnaires’ Disease Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where Does Legionnaires’ Disease Come From?
- Legionnaires’ Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis
- What to do if You Contract Legionnaires’ Disease
- Legionnaires’ Disease: Determining Liability
- Legionnaires’ Disease: Lawsuits and Compensation
- Legionnaires’ Disease: Wrongful Death Cases
- Finding a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
- Filing a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit
- The Importance of Water Management Plans
Legionella at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson, NJ
In July, a patient with Legionnaires’ disease and other medical conditions was treated at St. Joseph’s and later died. The death prompted state health officials to test the hospital’s water system. Results showed that water in one area of the hospital was positive for Legionella. St. Joseph’s is cleaning and treating its water system, according to locale media reports.
How We Investigate (and Win) Legionnaires’ Cases
Our Legionnaires’ team conducts a three‑pronged investigation:
- Epidemiology: We interview clients and review health department data to determine a timeline and common exposures.
- Environmental: We coordinate independent sampling; and obtain and review maintenance records
- Laboratory: When possible, we match a patient’s Legionella isolate to environmental samples using genetic “fingerprinting.”
Our Experienced Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyers Can Help
Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ disease attorneys have decades of experience representing clients with Legionnaires’ disease and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. To request a free consultation with our experienced Legionnaires’ Team, call us at 1(888) 377-8900 (toll-free), text 612-261-0856, or use the form below.
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