Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., has filed a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of two Jefferson County families, the Wheats, and the Rentas. Clayton Wheat and Tony Renta, along with several members of a girls’ softball team, became ill after a weekend stay at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Prattville-Millbrook. A number of the individuals who stayed at the Sleep Inn & Suites, including several who were part of the girls’ softball team, became ill and several of those individuals have tested positive for Legionnaires disease. Legionnaires disease is a severe respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Legionella. Ben Locklar with Beasley Allen Law Firm is representing the plaintiffs.
“One thing all of those who developed symptoms had in common was an overnight stay at the Sleep Inn and Suites in Millbrook,” said Beasley Allen shareholder, Ben Locklar. “Guests expect a reasonable amount of care to be taken in regards to health and safety. It is clear that the hotel’s water system and cooling system have not been properly maintained and that the infected were unknowingly exposed to bacteria-laden water, mist, and air at the hotel.”
The Wheat and Renta families were in the area for a local softball tournament. Shortly after the tournament weekend, at least 14 people became sick with flu-like symptoms, including difficulty breathing, elevated temperature, body aches, dizziness, headaches, and chills.
Legionnaires disease is typically contracted by inhaling or ingesting Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can also cause related illnesses, such as Pontiac fever, pneumonia, and other serious and sometimes permanent health conditions. Legionella bacterium is commonly found in water or in mist. If water sources are not properly cleaned or treated, those who come in contact with the contaminated water can ingest the dangerous bacteria and become seriously ill or die. Legionella can also form in air conditioning duct systems and be inhaled by others who are exposed to the mist from those systems. Legionella cannot be transmitted from person to person.
The defendant named in the lawsuit is Choice Hotels International, Inc., d/b/a Sleep Inn & Suites Millbrook -Prattville. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.
Read the complaint.
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