A wrongful death lawsuit was recently filed in Cook County Circuit Court against the owners of a Marriott hotel and Marriott International. According to the complaint, a 66-year-old man allegedly contracted the bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease while dining at Chicago’s JW Marriott hotel in late July. The Irish tourist reportedly died as a result of the disease in August.
Legionella bacterium was reportedly found in a decorative fountain inside the lobby of the hotel. The fountain was allegedly removed from the building after at least ten hotel visitors became infected with the disease. Unfortunately, three of those infected died as a result of contracting the illness. According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, the same strain of bacteria was also found in the hotel’s pool, whirlpool, and both men’s and women’s locker rooms.
The lawsuit claims the deceased man somehow inhaled contaminated water vapor because the hotel failed to implement adequate measures to ensure the fountain remained free of Legionella bacteria. In addition, the complaint alleges that the hotel failed to ensure water used in the fountain was properly treated and kept at an appropriate temperature in order to combat bacteria growth. The lawsuit also states the hotel negligently failed to warn visitors of health and safety concerns associated with the contaminated fountain. A representative for the deceased man’s estate reportedly seeks compensation for his pain and suffering prior to his death. Additionally, the lawsuit asks for financial compensation to cover the costs associated with his medical expenses.
In Illinois, the family of someone who was killed due to another person’s negligent act may choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Pursuant to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, the personal representative of a deceased person may seek financial compensation for the grief and pain endured by the victim’s family, funeral expenses, any medical costs incurred prior to death, loss of consortium, lost wages, and punitive damages where appropriate. Normally, punitive damages are only available when the party who caused the untimely death acted intentionally or outrageously. If you lost a close relative due to someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you should contact a skilled wrongful death attorney to discuss your right to recovery.
If you lost a loved one in a tragic accident, give the hardworking lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. a call at (312) 475-9596. Our experienced Chicago Metro wrongful death attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss your rights and aid you in filing your wrongful death lawsuit. For a free consultation with a committed lawyer, do not hesitate to contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through our website today.
Note: Abels & Annes, P.C. does not represent the victim’s family in the above mentioned lawsuit.
More Blogs:
Estate of Blue Island Teenager Who Died Following Root Canal Procedure Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Cook County, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 23, 2012
Family of Worker Who Died From Chemical Burns Files Negligence Lawsuit Against Bedford Park Company, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 17, 2012
Additional Resources:
Suit blames hotel for death from Legionnaires’ disease, by Jennifer Delgado, Chicago Tribune
3rd death tied to Chicago Legionnaires’ outbreak, by Mitch Smith, Chicago Tribune