Alabama - Legionella Prevention and Costs of Legionnaires Outbreaks
Historical Headlines Related to Legionella
April 26, 2023
The Alabama Department of Public Health says there were 14 Legionnaires cases connected to people who stayed at a resort between October 2021 and December 2022. “We have found many of the balcony hot tubs were impacted by Legionella bacteria,” said Dr. David Krause. In response, the hot tubs were immediately closed by the resort and they are now in the process of replacing roughly 400 of them. “The first thing they did was start testing everything in the building whether it was shower heads, water faucets, water fountains, water features, and hot tubs,” said Spectrum Resorts spokesperson Jonathan Gray. (Source)
December 29, 2022
Cases of Legionella disease linked to a condominium complex are being investigated the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said the ADPH is not aware of any serious illnesses from the outbreak. “There have been a little over a dozen people so far that we know about over several months,” Harris told the State Committee of Public Health. “All recovered. No serious illnesses to this point, thankfully. We were able to begin working with the property owner there,” Harris said. “They’ve been cooperative and are following CDC guidance and our guidance on trying to remediate that and on notifying the public on that.” (Source)
Reported Settlements and Jury Awards
Given the incidence of legionella in Alabama, and its associated harm, personal injury claims and litigation are also becoming more frequent. Reported settlements and jury awards are unavailable at this time.
State Cap on Jury Awards
Alabama does not have a cap on the award amounts allowable by law. In addition, public health notices and negative media attention can also lead to business interruption and reputation damage.
Groundwater Temperature Risk Level – High
Overall Liability and Risk for Alabama – Very High
No, ASHRAE 188 is not part of the state code
Legionella and Water Management Plan Assistance
Need help? For Legionella consulting and services, Water Management Plans, Legionella Control Systems, and Legionella testing please contact us at Legionella Control Systems at 888-416-8626 or info@legionellacontrolsystems.com
