A county jail located in Pekin, IL, has taken the unusual step of potentially releasing some non-violent offenders after a man awaiting trial died of Legionnaires’ disease on October 6. While the jail had already taken steps to try to prevent the spread of the illness, it was considered a necessary step after the jail’s water system tested positive for Legionella bacteria. At this time, it is unclear if anyone else may have contracted the disease at the jail.
Legionnaires’ Disease Kills One at County Jail
A 93-year old man, James Pate, passed away on October 6, about a month after being arrested for allegedly killing his wife. Shortly after being incarcerated at the Tazewell County Jail, he began to experience flu-like symptoms and became seriously ill, with medical testing determining that he had contracted Legionnaires’ disease. After his condition worsened and it became clear it was unlikely he would recover, he was placed on palliative care, and died soon after.
Infection Traced to Contaminated Water System
When it became clear that the victim may have contracted Legionnaires’ disease while at the jail, health officials began testing for the presence of Legionella bacteria. They soon found that the water system at the jail was contaminated, requiring significant cleaning to avoid further infection. In the meantime, they have moved to bottled water, and have taken other measures to prevent further infections, including considering releasing some non-violent offenders.
Finding Potential Legionnaires’ Victims
Unfortunately, victims of Legionnaires’ disease often go undetected because their conditions are mistaken for other respiratory illnesses. Like with other types of pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, coughing, shortness of breath, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As in this case, it tends to be the elderly, as well as those with existing respiratory issues like asthma or COPD, who are at the highest risk of death from a Legionnaires’ infection.
What You Should Do
If you live or work in any location that has been found to have a Legionnaires’ outbreak, and you experience flu-like symptoms, you should get tested for Legionnaires’ disease. If you test positive, you may be able to seek compensation in court. However, to know how best to proceed, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling Legionnaires’ cases, who can advise you on your potential legal options.
If you or someone you know has been sickened or injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.