An architect employed by Barrow council was accused yesterday of negligence resulting in Britain's biggest outbreak of legionnaires' disease.
Seven people died in the outbreak, and a further 172 people became infected with the disease during the outbreak in Cumbria in July and August 2002.
The council neglected to ensure that the air-conditioning system was fully maintained, resulting in perfect conditions for the bacteria to breed.
Alexander Harris represent a number of people affected by the disease. Personal injury solicitor Jonathan Betts said: "Legionnaires disease can have drastic effects. It is important that adequate safeguards are put in place, where possible, in order to prevent the disease from developing in the first place."
BackRelated news stories
- 10/08/2006: Man dies after catching legionnaires' disease from dirty shower in hospital
- 31/07/2006: Legionnaires' outbreak in Cumbria - architect found not guilty of manslaughter
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