If you have worked in Tennessee construction, demolition, or excavation in Spring Hill and Thompson Station since fall 2025 and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, you may be part of a growing health crisis and histoplasmosis exposure lawsuit.
An outbreak in Williamson and Maury counties, including Spring Hill and Thompson Station, has already sickened more than 35 individuals and caused at least one death.
The 2026 Tennessee Soil Fungus Outbreak and Workplace Exposure
Histoplasmosis is a respiratory infection caused by inhaling microscopic spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.
This fungus can thrive in Tennessee soil, particularly in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys.
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Alert to clinicians and laboratories about an increase in pulmonary and disseminated histoplasmosis cases in Williamson and Maury Counties.
Understanding the Recent Cluster Linked to Construction
The current outbreak has hit Middle Tennessee hard.
A news report from NewsChannel 9 stated that a Spring Hill woman died in late 2025 after fighting for a histoplasmosis test (for which she ultimately tested positive). No confirmation was made of the source of exposure; however, she noted a cough developed after moving into her Spring Hill home in October 2025.
For workers, the risk can be a direct result of job tasks. Research indicates that soil disturbance can be a primary driver of such outbreaks, as extraction and construction may aerosolize contaminants.
Employer Obligations for Protecting Workers
Under federal and Tennessee law, employers have a general duty to protect workers from recognized workplace hazards. In Tennessee, histoplasmosis from soil exposure is a well-documented occupational danger.
OSHA Standards for Respiratory Protection
The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. It mandates that, when effective engineering controls are not feasible or are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be used pursuant to that section.
Identifying Negligence: Failure to Wet Soil or Provide PPE
Negligence often stems from the failure to follow two critical safety protocols:
- Soil Wetting: Applying water sprays to reduce dust during excavation.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing the correct respirators.
If your employer failed to provide N95 masks or neglected dust suppression, they may be liable for your illness.
Local investigations into the Spring Hill and Thompson's Station cluster show that general recommendations from health professionals are to limit exposure to activities that disturb the soil and exposure to plant matter or bird or bat droppings; and that wearing a mask when conducting these activities is also recommended.
Beyond Workers' Comp: Filing a Personal Injury Claim
In Tennessee, workers' compensation is typically the exclusive remedy against an employer.
However, if a third party contributed to the hazardous environment, you may have additional legal rights.
According to WKRN News, the rising case count in Middle Tennessee has prompted families to speak out about the lack of warnings.
Proving third-party negligence requires documented evidence of site conditions and expert testimony to link the specific site to your diagnosis.
Why Workers Trust Cory Watson Attorneys
Navigating a histoplasmosis lawsuit in Tennessee requires a firm that understands both occupational safety and complex litigation.
Cory Watson Attorneys has recovered more than $4 billion for clients nationwide, specializing in cases where corporate or workplace negligence results in life-altering health issues.
Protecting Your Future After a Diagnosis
If you suspect you were exposed:
- Seek Medical Care: Request specific testing for histoplasmosis.
- Report the Illness: Notify your employer in writing immediately.
- Document the Site: Note the dates, locations, and safety equipment (or lack thereof) provided.
- Observe Deadlines: Tennessee has a strict one-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. Waiting can bar your recovery forever.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or illness due to unsafe conditions, whether at a job site or in a public space, our team is ready to help you understand your rights.
Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today for a free, confidential case review.
Legal Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this post or contacting the firm via this website.hip. Laws and deadlines vary by jurisdiction.