Of all the diseases a person could contract due to another person’s negligence, Legionnaires’ disease is one of the most serious. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia, and it can be debilitating for those who contract it. It is the legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease and this bacteria is found in both soil and water, although the latter is much more common. After being exposed to the bacteria, individuals usually start to show symptoms within two to 10 days. Fortunately, not everyone who is exposed will become sick. Still, for one in 10 people who are exposed and fall ill, the condition is fatal. Sometimes, people contract Legionnaires’ disease due to the negligent actions of another person. In these instances, sick individuals can file a claim against the at-fault party to claim financial compensation. An Anaheim Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can help you obtain the full damages to which you are entitled.
What Symptoms Does Legionnaires’ Disease Present?Legionnaires’ disease presents many different symptoms, but different signs of the disease appear at different times. During the first and second days, the most common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include chills, cough, muscle pains, headaches, and fever, sometimes as high as 104 degrees. After the second day, symptoms usually become more serious and include shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a cough, which may be accompanied by mucus or blood.
While not everyone will experience symptoms after being exposed to the legionella bacteria, others will become very sick. Individuals who suffer from chronic lung disease and weakened immune systems are most likely to feel the adverse effects, as are people who smoke and individuals over the age of 50. Anyone who has been negatively impacted by exposure to legionella bacteria should reach out to a Legionnaires’ disease attorney in Anaheim right away for guidance.
How Is Legionnaires’ Disease Diagnosed and Treated?If you start experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important that you see a doctor right away. Legionnaires’ disease is relatively easy to diagnose through a physical exam, laboratory tests, and x-rays. A diagnosis also usually requires a urinary antigen test, which is effective at detecting the bacteria.
When Legionnaires’ disease is diagnosed fairly quickly after a person is exposed, it is fairly easy to treat through antibiotics. Antibiotics find the legionella bacteria and destroy it. In most cases, a person will recover within 10 days after they start taking the antibiotics. If a course of antibiotics does not work, hospitalization is often necessary. Hospitalizations due to Legionnaires’ disease usually require extensive treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.
Most times, people do not experience any future symptoms after recovering from Legionnaires’ disease, unless they are exposed to the bacteria again. There are times when individuals do suffer from long-term respiratory problems even after it seems they have made a full recovery.
Our Legionnaires' Disease Lawyer in Anaheim Can Help with Your CaseIf you have been exposed to legionella bacteria due to another person's negligence, you should not be stuck with the medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that result. At Brod Law Firm, our Anaheim Legionnaires' disease attorney can help you through the claims process so you recover the full and fair settlement that is justly yours. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.