Where might I contract Legionnaires’ disease and what are the sources?
You can contract Legionnaires’ disease from places that fail to maintain a safe water system. These include:
Hotels
Cruise ships
Leisure centres
Restaurants
Hospitals
Spas.
The source can also differ depending on where you contract the disease. You may come across contaminated water from:
Cooling towers
Hot tubs
Spa pools
Showers
Large plumbing systems
Hot water tanks and heaters
Decorative fountains
Water features.
How do I make a Legionnaires’ disease claim for compensation?
To begin your Legionnaires’ disease claim, get in touch with our team. We’ll arrange a free 30-minute consultation where you can speak to an expert solicitor. They’ll listen to what happened to you, advise you on whether you could claim, and for how much. They’ll also make you aware of all funding options.
There’s no obligation to go any further than this, but if you choose to pursue your claim with us, we’ll begin by collecting evidence. Evidence we can use to support your claim can include:
Medical records
Receipts
Witness statements
Independent medical experts.
Once we’ve collected this evidence, we’ll contact the individual, institution, or organisation responsible for your illness. If they accept responsibility and the compensation amount we’re claiming for, we’ll be able to settle your claim.
If they dispute blame or how much compensation we feel you need, we may need to begin court proceedings.
We normally work to keep your claim from going to court, but there may be instances where it’s in your best interest to take your claim to court. If you do need to go to court, we’ll do all we can to make sure you’re as prepared and comfortable as possible. We’ll always act on your instructions and advise you on how we feel it’s best to proceed based on your unique situation.
Can I make a claim if I contracted Legionnaires’ disease abroad?
Yes, if you contracted Legionnaires’ disease abroad you can make a claim for compensation. Our international illness claims team can help you to make a claim if you became ill while on holiday or staying abroad.
Large buildings with more complex water systems such as hotels, museums, or spas are at a greater risk of legionella contamination.
As the disease is usually preventable, you may be able to claim compensation if it was caused by the negligence of another party while abroad. Tour operators should ensure that hotels they use during your holiday are meeting health and safety standards and should warn you of the risks.
The usual time limit in the UK for making a claim is three years. If you contracted Legionnaires’ disease in another country, this time limit can often be shorter, so it’s important to start your claim as soon as possible. Contact us to tell us what happened to you.
What’s the average settlement for a Legionnaires’ disease compensation claim?
There’s no set amount of compensation awarded in Legionnaires’ disease claims. The circumstances around each claim differ, meaning compensation amounts awarded in each claim differ too.
To get an idea of how much compensation you could be entitled to, get in touch with us to arrange a free initial consultation. We’ll be able to advise you on how much you could claim once we’ve learnt more about your situation.
Your compensation amount will be calculated based on:
The severity of your illness
Loss of earnings
Your long-term medical needs
Expenses you’ve already incurred, such as medical bills or travel to hospital appointments.
Can I make a no win no fee claim for Legionnaires’ disease?
We’re able to take most claims for Legionnaires’ disease on a no win no fee basis . This means there are no upfront fees, and you won’t need to pay any costs if your claim doesn’t succeed.
You’ll need a suitable insurance policy to make a no win no fee claim. This protects you from incurring any fees. If you don’t have a suitable policy already in place, we’ll take out After The Event (ATE) insurance on your behalf.
There are other funding options available, and an alternative may be more suitable for your circumstances. We’ll always make sure you’re fully aware of all funding options before we start working on your claim.
What can compensation pay for in a Legionnaires’ disease claim?
Compensation amounts will cover:
Loss of earnings, now and in future
Pain and suffering caused by your illness
Specialist treatment or equipment you need
Expenses – to cover things like prescriptions, treatment, and travel expenses, such as hospital trips.
We’ll make sure your compensation amount is a full reflection of the impact your illness has had. Your settlement will consider your financial needs for the rest of your life.
Is there a time limit for making a Legionnaires’ disease claim?
In the UK, the normal time limit for making a compensation claim is three years. This time limit begins either from the date you contracted Legionnaires’ disease or were diagnosed with it.
This time limit doesn’t apply to children under the age of 18 – the limit begins on their 18th birthday. It also doesn’t apply to people who lack the mental capacity to claim by themselves.
If you or your loved one became ill in a different country, the time limits can be shorter. For this reason, we always urge clients to start their claim as soon as possible.
