Kentucy - Legionella Prevention and Costs of Legionnaires Outbreaks
Historical Headlines Related to Legionella
December 9, 2023
Louisville’s federal buildings house a number of agencies the public may need to visit in person to receive services. Social Security and Immigration courts in the courthouse, offices for the Railroad Retirement Board, the EPA, and the Army Corps of Engineers in the Mazzoli building. There’s also a day care. Test results found 55% of the water fountains in the Mazzoli building were over the limit for Legionella. The government turned off all the fountains and is providing bottled water. Test results in the Snyder Federal Courthouse found 2 out of 37 fountains above the Legionella limit, but the bacteria was a type that is less likely to cause the disease. No fountains were turned off but bottled water was also provided. (Source)
September 7, 2023
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reported seeing an increase in Legionnaires' disease as more people are using outdoor pools and hot tubs during the summer. Officials said they are looking into five cases of Legionnaires' Disease, which they say is very unusual number of cases. "Our epidemiology team is still investigating this. They were out today doing water samples and testing. They are trying everything they can to find out any common sources or links to be able to protect people as much as possible," said the spokesperson for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. (Source)
May 10, 2023
Kentucky federal court was asked by an insurer to declare that it doesn't have to defend property owners in a $4.5 million underlying suit which is alleging that a Louisville tenant contracted Legionnaires' disease. (Source)
Reported Settlements and Jury Awards
Given the incidence of legionella in Kentucky, 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
Kentucky 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 – Medium
Overall Liability and Risk for Kentucky – 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
