Maine - Legionella Prevention and Costs of Legionnaires Outbreaks

Historical Headlines Related to Legionella

February 1, 2023

Maine’s top public health official, Nirav Shah, will become the No. 2 federal health official after the COVID-19 pandemic turned him almost overnight from a little-known bureaucrat into one of the state’s most famous people. Nirav Shah, the director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, became the ubiquitous face of a COVID-19 response that led to the sixth-lowest death rate among states and the fourth-highest share of fully vaccinated people, according to a New York Times tracker. sDespite a sparkling resume as both a trained doctor and lawyer who worked to combat disease outbreaks in southeast Asia, that path was not certain when his hiring was announced in May 2019. Months earlier, he had left his job running the CDC counterpart agency in Illinois under a Republican governor and was harshly criticized for his handling of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that killed a dozen people at a state veterans home. The state’s two U.S. senators — both Democrats — called for his resignation in late 2018. (Source)

Reported Settlements and Jury Awards

Given the incidence of legionella in Maine, 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

Maine 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 Maine – 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