NEW YORK — Residents of a 74-unit Vermont apartment complex serving seniors and people with disabilities are facing renewed concerns about Legionnaires’ disease after state health officials detected Legionella bacteria in the building’s water supply.

The Vermont Department of Health reported that testing at Bardwell House, operated by E.P. Management, found Legionella in the facility’s water system. The discovery comes roughly a month after health officials believed there was no evidence of Legionnaires’ disease at the apartment complex.

Although officials have not confirmed that any resident contracted Legionnaires’ disease from the contaminated water, the finding is raising concerns because Bardwell House houses residents who may be particularly vulnerable to severe illness.

The Health Department said the facility is taking steps to address the contamination, including hiring a consultant to remediate the water system and conduct ongoing testing and monitoring. Microbial filters have been installed on shower heads and three designated sinks, while bottled water has been provided to residents along with instructions for using fixtures.

Attorney Ronald J. Katter, who has represented victims of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, says the discovery underscores the need for building owners and operators to take a comprehensive approach to preventing Legionella exposure.

“These residents are among the people most vulnerable to serious illness from Legionnaires’ disease, so there is no room for delay when Legionella is detected in a building’s water system,” Katter said. “The water system needs to be properly remediated, tested and monitored. But building operators also need to look at other potential sources of Legionella, including cooling towers.”
Katter also questioned whether local officials have sufficient communication and training to respond quickly when Legionella is discovered.
“When something like this happens, everyone responsible for protecting residents needs to understand the potential risks and know what steps must be taken immediately,” Katter said. “A breakdown in communication between a health department, local officials and a building operator can have serious consequences. When vulnerable residents are involved, every moment matters.”
What residents should know about Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by inhaling small droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. People can be exposed through showers, faucets, whirlpool systems and other sources that produce contaminated water droplets.

Katter says residents and their families should understand:
* How Legionella can grow and spread in building water systems
* Why Legionnaires’ disease can be particularly dangerous for older adults and people with certain underlying risk factors
* The warning signs and symptoms residents should watch for
* Who is most vulnerable to severe illness
* What building owners and operators should do to reduce the risk of Legionella exposure
* What legal rights residents and families may have if someone becomes ill or dies after exposure to Legionella

“Finding Legionella should be a warning that the building’s water systems need immediate attention, not something that can simply be put on the back burner,” Katter said. “Residents deserve to know that the systems supplying the water they use every day are being properly maintained and monitored.”

Katter is available for interviews about the Vermont Legionella discovery, the risks posed to residents of apartment buildings and senior housing, building owners’ responsibilities, cooling tower safety, and what residents should do if they believe they have been exposed to Legionella.

For more information, visit https://www.katterlaw.com.

###

About Katter Law Firm:
The Katter Law Firm is a premier New York-based personal injury law practice specializing in complex civil litigation, premises liability, and environmental toxic torts. Founded by veteran litigator Ron Katter, the firm advocates for victims of public health failures, representing individuals and families impacted by catastrophic negligence, building infrastructure failures, and commercial property mismanagement.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Attorney Advertising. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The Katter Law Firm is primarily based in New York. For matters requiring legal representation or litigation outside of New York State, including the State of Vermont, the Katter Law Firm operates in strict compliance with local jurisdictional rules and, where required, associates with locally licensed co-counsel or seeks admission pro hac vice to protect the rights of its clients.