My husband died after a dip in ‘contaminated Airbnb hot tub’ – it ruined our family but they refuse to accept blame
A DISTRAUGHT wife is taking action against Airbnb over claims her husband died after a dip inside a contaminated hot tub.
Sandra Bermingham, 54, is planning to sue the US-owned holiday home booking site for £1.2m after her husband Paul’s death just days after they returned from holiday.
Sandra, Paul and their two kids Darragh, 10, and Kate, 12, used the Airbnb website to book two weeks vacation in Gozo, Malta, in 2016.
Their holiday home on the island had a spa pool which was mostly used by the children, MailOnline reports.
Paul only hopped into the jacuzzi for a few seconds because the water was too cold.
Sandra said: “Paul only went in the hot tub once on New Year’s Eve and he was in the water for a matter of seconds. The bacteria is airborne and I believe he was infected soon after he checked in to the farmhouse.”
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After getting back to their Islington home in North London, Paul got sick and was rushed Whittington Hospital.
He was put into an induced coma but sadly passed away two weeks after returning home.
Sandra said: “The hospital did all they could but could not save him. We were utterly distraught that he could be taken from us.”
His death was ruled by a coroner as Legionella pneumonia.
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Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection which is caused by Legionella bacteria.
It is usually transmitted by inhaling small droplets of infected water but it can’t be passed on from person to person.
Sandra said: “I do not believe the jacuzzi had been properly maintained and it had not been used for some time before our arrival.”
In the six years since, the grieving widow has been fighting for compensation.
The mum said: “They have not shown any after care or any concern for people who rent homes through their site.
“All they are interested in is getting money from bookings. It has left me speechless how ruthless they are and uncaring.
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection which is caused by Legionella bacteria.
It is usually transmitted by inhaling small droplets of infected water but it can’t be passed on from person to person.
There can be small, harmless amounts of the bacteria in water sources like ponds and rivers.
But if it gets into an environment where it can grow, such as an air conditioning system, it will multiply quickly.
In July 2018, scientists warned those using water butts to wash their cars and hose their gardens risked exposing themselves to Legionella bacteria.
“The holiday was supposed to be a break we could all enjoy, but it ruined our family life.”
The Malta-based lawyer representing Mrs Bermingham, Peter Fenench, said she needs to raise money to carry on her battle against Airbnb.
Sandra said: “Airbnb did not investigate this case and never offered any kind of support to my family. No compensation has been forthcoming and I am I on my own to obtain justice for what happened.
“Since I will not give up, I need funding for court proceedings to fight Airbnb on Malta for compensation.
“I want the world to know how Airbnb works, making tons of money off our backs and waiving any responsibility when things go terribly wrong in the houses they earn their billions with.”
A spokesman for Airbnb said: “We were heartbroken to learn of this tragic incident at the time and our thoughts remain with the Bermingham family following such an unimaginable loss. We remain in touch with the family’s representatives on this matter.
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“The safety of our community is a priority and with more than one billion guest arrivals in Airbnb listings to date, isolated incidents are exceptionally rare.”
Sandra has launched a GoFundMe page to help pay her family’s legal costs.