Legionnaires' Disease caught from the store's filthy hot tub DIY chain pays out £200,000 after three men died from Legionnaires' Disease caught from the store's filthy hot tub • • •

Richard Griffin, 64, William Hammersley, 79, and Harry Cadman, 71, died after contracting disease at JTF Warehouse in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent Outbreak originated from filthy hot tub which was not cleaned for weeks Families have received payout for 'pain, suffering, lost earnings and care'

By Amanda Williams for MailOnline Published: 13:06, 8 July 2015 | Updated: 14:00, 8 July 2015

A DIY chain has paid over £200,000 in damages to the relatives of three men who were killed after being struck down with Legionnaires' disease caused by a filthy hot tub on display. Delivery driver Richard Griffin, 64, and customers William Hammersley, 79, and Harry Cadman, 71, died after contracting the disease in the summer of 2012. A report by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the 'probable source' came from a hot tub on display at the JTF Warehouse in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

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Victim: Richard Griffin, 64, died after contracting Legionnaires' disease in the summer of 2012. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the disease originated from a hot tub on display at the JTF Warehouse in Stoke-on-Trent

The report found that had not been filtered or cleaned for weeks, causing the water to stagnate and leading to the formation of bacteria and build up of Legionnaires' disease droplets. When the hot tub was then turned on it is believed the particles became airborne and spread around the garden centre. Father-of-two Mr Griffin, from Clayton, Staffordshire, was the first victim of the outbreak. It is believed he contracted the disease while delivering meat to the store's cafe and started getting headaches, fever and hallucinations. He later lost consciousness at his home and died at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire from multiple organ failure on August 2, 2012, after spending a week in hospital. Grandfather-of-two Mr Hammersley, from Chesterton, Staffordshire, passed away on August 4 while Mr Cadman, from Stoke-on-Trent, died from the disease days later. Following their deaths the grieving relatives of the three men took legal action against the DIY firm who admitted civil liability earlier this year. Lawyers working for the families revealed they had been paid a substantial payout by the company for their 'pain and suffering, lost earnings and care'.

of bacteria and build up of Legionnaires' disease droplets. When it was then turned on it is believed the particles became airborne and spread around the garden centre (pictured)

Mr Griffin's daughter, Rachel Griffin, 46, who now lives in Cumbria, said: 'We're relieved that the legal case has now concluded without the need for a court battle.

'But we do hope that there is progress with the criminal prosecution case and the inquest over the coming months so that we can begin to move on with our lives. 'The whole family misses my dad so much. He had a great sense of humour and always cheered us all up. 'Losing him was horrific and to know that he died through no fault of his own is devastating. 'He was due to retire later that year and was in good health. We just never expected anything like this. 'Nothing can ever bring our dad back, but we just wanted to make sure that justice was done and that there was some accountability for his death. 'I truly hope no one ever has to go through what we have.'

and later this year and JTF's insurers have admitted civil liability on behalf of JTF for causing the outbreak

A further 18 people needed hospital treatment following the outbreak that summer. In total 14 survivors and the families of the three men who died, all sought compensation for the horror caused by the disease. While 13 cases were settled out-of-court, the families of those who lost relatives and one survivor who contracted a serious lung infection pursued their cases through the courts. Personal injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell issued formal court proceedings against JTF Wholesale Limited, which has 13 branches across the UK. Inquests into the three deaths are also due to be held later this year and JTF's insurers have already admitted civil liability on behalf of JTF for causing the outbreak. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is still considering whether to pursue criminal charges. Amandeep Dhillon, a lawyer from Irwin Mitchell, said: 'Nothing can turn back the clock but we are pleased to have finally concluded these cases, allowing those families affected to begin to move on with their lives.

'There are strict controls in place which are designed to reduce the risk of Legionella contamination in public spaces, but sadly all of those who contracted this dreadful condition were badly let down by JTF Wholesale on this occasion. 'It's important that lessons are learned from this incident to ensure that the risk of any similar outbreak in the future is reduced.'

Source: The Nordic Impulse Deep Hot Tub (pictured) is believed to have exposed customers to the deadly disease between June and July 2012. Three people died and a further 18 needed hospital treatment THE SILENT KILLER: LEGIONNAIRES' BUG WHICH CAN SPREAD UNDETECTED

Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal lung infection caused by the bacteria legionella. The bacteria is commonly found in any freshwater areas but can sometimes find its way into artificial water supply systems. It is contracted when small droplets of contaminated water in the air are breathed in, but is not spread from person to person. The elderly, smokers, diabetes sufferers, those with kidney disease and cancer patients are most at risk, and men are three times more likely to contract the disease than women. Symptoms of the disease include headaches, muscle pain, high fever, chills, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pains and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea. About half of those who contract the disease experience changes to their mental state, such as confusion. Symptoms can start between two and 14 days after exposure. The disease is treated by intravenous antibiotics. Around 10% of people victims will die from arising complications. Large buildings such as hotels, hospitals and museums are more vulnerable to contamination because they have larger, more complex water supply systems, which can let the contamination spread quickly.

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