A person can suffer from many different types of pneumonia, and they can all result in very serious health complications. Legionnaires' disease is one of the most serious types of pneumonia a person could contract. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10,000 people are hospitalized every year for the condition. Legionnaires' disease can be contracted in many different places, including nursing homes, hot tubs, and hospitals. Regardless of where a person contracts it, the condition can typically be prevented. Property owners have a responsibility to ensure anyone who enters the premises is kept safe. To prevent Legionnaires' disease, property owners, as well as manufacturers and operators of water systems, must create a water management plan to ensure no one becomes sick. If a property owner has failed in their legal duty and you suffered harm, our Fremont Legionnaires' disease lawyer can help you claim financial compensation.
What is Legionnaires' Disease?Also known as legionellosis or legionella pneumonia, Legionnaires' disease is caused by a bacteria known as legionella. This bacteria also causes Pontiac fever, also known as Pontiac disease, which is also an infection, although not as severe as Legionnaires' disease. Legionella bacteria is usually found in hot tubs, water cooling systems, hot water tanks, plumbing systems, and decorative fountains.
Being exposed to the legionella bacteria does not necessarily mean that a person will contract Legionnaires' disease. In fact, many people do not suffer any ill effects. However, if the mist or vapor is inhaled or consumed, a person could experience symptoms of Legionnaires' disease. Symptoms will usually start to appear two to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria. For one in 10 Americans who become sick, Legionnaires' disease is fatal. If you have lost a loved one to this disease, reach out to a Legionnaires' disease attorney in Fremont.
Complications That Arise From Legionnaires' DiseaseEven when a person does become sick with Legionnaires' disease, most people make a full recovery. For others, though, the condition can result in life-threatening complications.
Respiratory failure is a severe complication of Legionnaires' disease. Respiratory failure occurs once the respiratory system has sustained serious damage, such as when there are mechanical changes in the lungs or the arteries lose a substantial amount of oxygen. Once a person starts to experience respiratory failure, there is little chance of recovery.
Sepsis is another serious complication of Legionnaires' disease. Sepsis is an infection in the bloodstream and can result in organ failure, which can be fatal. If the kidneys start to fail, which can happen, they can no longer eliminate waste and blood effectively. Blood and waste will remain in the system, which can also be fatal. The inner lining of the heart, as well as the heart valves, can also become damaged once sepsis has developed. This is a condition known as endocarditis.
Call Our Legionnaires' Disease Lawyer in Fremont for a Free ConsultationIf you or a loved one was exposed to legionella bacteria on someone else’s property and have become sick, our Fremont Legionnaires' disease attorney can determine who is liable for paying damages, and will answer any question you have. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or reach out to us online to learn more about your legal options.