Oct 16, 2018
Tom Bernier, a partner in Goldberg Segalla’s Baltimore Office and a member of the firm’s Toxic Torts and Environmental Practice Group, provides insight into the legal consequences of the growth in legionella diagnoses, which commonly take the form of Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Tom starts by providing background on legionella, an extremely severe form of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection. Tom further explains how legionella is generally spread through poorly-maintained water systems and how the elderly and those with depressed immune systems are at highest risk. Tom notes that certain businesses and professional service providers face significant exposure in connection with legionella litigation and related health department inspections and regulations. Tom concludes by highlighting potential insurance coverage challenges businesses confront when dealing with legionella claims.