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Honeymooning Couple Considers Legal Recourse After Groom Contracts Legionnaires’ Disease in Italy
A newly married couple is contemplating legal action after the husband acquired a severe Legionnaires’ disease infection during their honeymoon in Italy, resulting in a permanent disability. Thomas Coupland, 44, and his wife Natasha, 40, experienced what was supposed to be a celebratory trip to Sorrento, Italy, which took a drastic turn when Mr. Coupland fell seriously ill.
Illness Onset After Italian Getaway
Last summer, Thomas and Natasha Coupland embarked on a week-long honeymoon in Sorrento, Italy, following their recent wedding. However, the joyous occasion was marred when Mr. Coupland started experiencing severe symptoms on their return flight. Upon arriving home in Sheffield, the aerospace engineer’s condition rapidly deteriorated.
Rapid Deterioration and Hospitalization
Initially, Mr. Coupland suffered from diarrhea and intense flu-like symptoms. As his condition worsened, he was swiftly admitted to the hospital. “It was terrifying how quickly everything unfolded,” Mr. Coupland recounted, “and how close Natasha and our son were to losing me.”
Life-Threatening Complications and Diagnosis
During hospitalization, Mr. Coupland narrowly avoided a heart attack as medical professionals worked urgently to reduce his dangerously elevated heart rate, which peaked at 214 beats per minute. He was subsequently diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and later, heart failure at Northern General Hospital. Mr. Coupland continues to grapple with the enduring consequences of the illness.
Source of Infection Suspected at Hotel
Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, is contracted by inhaling water droplets contaminated with legionella bacteria, often found in stagnant water. The Couplands believe their hotel accommodation is the likely source of the infection. They cite visible limescale in the bathroom and black mold surrounding the showerhead as potential indicators of unsanitary conditions. They also noted the hotel swimming pool appeared to have green-tinged water.
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Seeking Accountability and Prevention
The couple, who spent over £1,600 on their honeymoon, are now pursuing legal avenues to determine how Mr. Coupland contracted the debilitating disease. Their primary motivation is to prevent similar incidents from affecting other travelers. “Natasha and I feel we need to speak out to try and ensure other hotel guests do not experience what we have,” Mr. Coupland stated.
Impact on Family Life
Mr. Coupland poignantly described the personal toll of his condition: “One of the hardest things to come to terms with is explaining to my three-year-old son why I can no longer do all of the activities we enjoyed together before my illness.” Activities such as sports, football training, swimming and active play are now limited. Previously, his work schedule allowed him to spend considerable time with his son; however, now they require childcare on his days off due to his ongoing health issues.
Legal Investigation Underway
Jennifer Hodgson, a specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, is representing the Couplands. “Thomas has endured a terrible ordeal and is incredibly fortunate to be alive,” she commented. “The repercussions of his illness have profoundly impacted him, Natasha, and their young son, during what should have been a joyous period in their lives.”
Hodgson added, “We have assisted numerous individuals over the years who have contracted Legionnaires’ disease both abroad and in the UK. It is crucial to raise awareness about the potential severity of this illness. Were it not for the prompt medical intervention, Thomas’s situation could have been fatal. We are committed to securing answers for Thomas and providing him with the long-term support he requires.” The legal team is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr. Coupland’s illness, including his stay at the Atlantic Palace hotel in Sorrento.
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease
While most individuals recover from Legionnaires’ disease, it can occasionally be fatal, with a mortality rate of approximately 1 in 10 cases. Those over 40, smokers, individuals with chronic lung conditions or weakened immunity, and those with underlying health issues are at increased risk.
Symptom onset typically occurs within 2 to 10 days and includes fever, severe headache, and chills. Other common symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, and appetite loss.
Early antibiotic treatment is crucial for managing Legionnaires’ disease. Untreated cases can result in severe and potentially fatal lung infections.
Health authorities advise individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.