The loss of a loved one is difficult no matter the situation, but losing one unexpectedly can be shocking. Whether it is the result of an illness or an accident, unexpected or wrongful deaths often leave the family of the deceased in both emotional and financial toil.
An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has left six Ohioans dead, five of who lived in the same retirement facility outside of Columbus. Legionnaire's disease is a bacterial type of pneumonia typically known to affect individuals with already weakened immune systems. It is not contagious, but it can spread through contact with water particles.
According to a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Health, the source of the bacteria has been located in a water system and cooling tower at the Wesley Ridge Retirement Community. 30 people have grown ill and five have died as a result of the outbreak at the retirement community. Investigators have yet to track down the cause of the second outbreak, which occurred at an automobile parts store. Two men were infected at this location, one of whom has succumbed to the illness.
In hopes of preventing anymore illnesses, both facilities have taken steps to purify their water supplies. This is done by hyper-chlorinating the water and then heating it.
As of the time of writing, no family members have declared their intention to take legal action against either organization. However, if a death is the result of another person or companies negligent or reckless behaviors, the negligent parties may be held legally liable and brought to court.
If it can be shown that either organization did not take the steps necessary to ensure that their water supply remained clean, then that may be an example of negligent behavior that could make them financially responsible for the deaths.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, "2 Legionnaires'' outbreaks in Ohio leave 6 dead," John Seewer, July 30, 2013