Experienced Legionnaires’ Disease Attorneys In Illinois
Last updated on October 19, 2026
At Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger Trial Lawyers, we strongly support people who have developed serious waterborne illnesses from contaminated building systems. Because this is one of our areas of focus, our lawyers understand the complex medical and legal issues that come with Legionnaires’ disease.
If you choose our firm, you will work directly with a senior partner, not an associate or paralegal. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who do not settle cases quickly. Instead, we prepare every Legionnaires’ disease case for trial. With over 100 years of combined trial experience, our Chicago-based legal team is ready to help you seek the highest possible compensation.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious and sometimes deadly form of bacterial pneumonia. It develops when someone breathes in small water droplets that contain Legionella bacteria. Once in the lungs, the bacteria multiply and can cause high fever, severe cough, muscle aches, chest pain, and even respiratory failure. Many people with this illness need intensive hospital care and may face long-term neurological or lung problems.
Do You Have A Case?
You may have a legal claim if your infection came from water contaminated in a commercial or public place that failed to keep its water systems safe. Property owners and facility managers must have water management programs to prevent bacteria from growing.
If a property owner or facility manager fails to maintain their water systems and that failure leads to your infection, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to hold them responsible for your damages.
How Is Legionnaires’ Disease Contracted?
Legionnaires’ disease happens when someone breathes in mist or vapor from sources like showers, cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, or complex plumbing systems that contain high levels of harmful bacteria. It usually does not spread from person to person. Outbreaks often occur in large buildings, such as hotels, hospitals, senior living facilities or industrial complexes, where stagnant water or poor temperature control allows bacteria to grow.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For Exposure To Legionnaires’ Disease?
Those who may be held responsible for a disease outbreak include property owners, facility managers, plumbing contractors, and anyone responsible for building and maintaining water systems.
To prove where the infection came from, DNA testing and epidemiological investigations can link the bacteria found in a patient to a specific water source. This evidence can help establish liability.
Can You File A Lawsuit After You Are Diagnosed With Legionnaires’ Disease?
Yes, you can. After your diagnosis, you can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against those responsible for the contaminated site. If your case is successful, you may receive significant financial compensation for your medical bills, future care costs, lost income, and the pain and suffering you have experienced.
Contact Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger Trial Lawyers
If you or a family member has Legionnaires’ disease, don’t settle for a quick payout. Our attorneys are committed to ensuring you receive full financial compensation for your losses. To understand the long-term effects of your illness, we work with medical specialists, epidemiologists, and economic experts. This shows our commitment to your full recovery.
Call us at 312-957-8807 or use our online form to set up a free consultation with a lawyer who handle Legionnaires’ disease cases.