Las Vegas' Aria Resort Sued Over Legionnaires'

Eight former guests of the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas have sued the hotel and its builders for $337.5 million after contracting Legionnaires' disease, a severe and potentially deadly form of pneumonia.

The Aria Legionnaires' incident, which has been confirmed by health investigators who believe the bacteria spread through the hotel's air conditioning and water systems, is being blamed on the builder's negligent design and installation, as well as management's failure to inspect and repair.

It's not exactly clear how the bacteria entered the system and whether or not its existence could have been prevented, but the suit seems to allege that proper functioning water filtration and ventilation systems would have kept the bacteria out of the hotel's pools, showers, and A/C.

Regardless, the plaintiffs all claim to have become seriously ill after their stay, requiring great medical expense, reports the Las Vegas Review-Journal. They are also seeking compensation for pain and suffering, as well as a "loss of life's pleasures."

Whether the Aria Legionnaires' suit will end in settlement, or potentially a jury award, depends on the measures the parties took to ensure the building was up to code and properly functioning, because, as property owners, they are obligated to ensure the basic safety of invited guests.

As a side note, there may be other Aria Legionnaires' victims out there, as the Associated Press reports that the hotel notified a group of guests of possible exposure, but has yet to comment as to whether they know of any additional infections.

Related Resources:

• Aria guests sue after acquiring Legionnaire's disease (Vegas Inc)
• Premises Liability FAQ (FindLaw)
• Epic Hotel Guest Dies of Legionnaires' Disease (FindLaw's Injured)