Investigation Underway After 18 People Reportedly Sickened by Legionella Outbreak Linked to Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA (May 17, 2026) – At least 18 people have become ill after a suspected legionella outbreak that has been traced back to the Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center.
Santa Clara County officials are saying that all of the suspected illnesses are linked to that facility. The outbreak was first detected during a routine internal operations review.
Officials at the Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center have yet to determine whether the affected parties were staff, patients, or visitors. The disease is contracted through inhaling mist that contains the bacteria.
However, it can also be contracted through drinking contaminated water. A full investigation into the source of the contamination at the facility remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Santa Clara Legionella Outbreaks
Property owners in California have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. According to California Civil Code 1714, “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person.” There are many ways that a property owner may have acted negligently and allowed a legionella outbreak to occur.
- Water Management System: A property owner may have failed to properly sterilize or maintain their water management system.
- Stagnant Water: A property owner may have allowed stagnant water or “dead legs” in their plumbing.
- Temperature Control: A property owner may have failed to maintain water throughout their facility at a safe temperature. In particular, Legionella bacteria are more likely to grow in warm water.
- Ignored Warning Signs: A property owner may have ignored red flags or warning signs of a Legionella outbreak. This includes instances where water was foul-smelling or oddly colored.
If a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their premises, they must take action. Failing to take action to protect guests from infectious diseases could form the basis of a negligence claim. It matters whether or not a property owner was following adequate safety protocols. Liability for infectious disease outbreaks could also extend to third-party companies that were responsible for maintaining water systems in the building.
Steps to Take After Santa Clara Legionella Outbreaks
Many people are harmed every year after contracting Legionnaires’ disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “In general, reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been increasing since the early 2000s, with a peak in 2018. While reported cases dropped during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, they rebounded in 2021.” Victims of infectious disease outbreaks should take certain measures to protect their legal rights.
- Victims should seek medical treatment as early as possible. Delayed treatment could potentially lead to severe complications.
- The source of the outbreak should be determined. Depending on where the outbreak occurred, several parties could potentially be liable.
- All of the medical records related to a person’s treatment should be sought.
- Any person harmed by a Legionella outbreak should carefully consider their options with an experienced premises liability attorney. An attorney can examine the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after contracting an infectious disease. People with certain medical conditions are at a greater risk of serious complications. It is important that the victims of infectious disease outbreaks understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability and justice through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Getting Legal Help After Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease
We at Carrazco Law extend our best wishes to all of the people who have contracted Legionnaires’ disease from the Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents going forward.
Have you or someone that you care about contracted Legionnaires’ disease after staying at the Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center? Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here for you. We are committed to helping accident victims get the most financial support possible so that they can focus on healing. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
