Of all the different types of pneumonia, legionnaires' disease is one of the most severe. Legionnaires' disease is caused by the legionella bacteria, which can be found in soil and water. A person can become sick after they have inhaled or consumed water droplets that contain the legionella bacteria. Usually, symptoms start to appear two to 10 days after exposure. Fortunately, most people who are exposed to the bacteria do not suffer any harm as a result. Still, one in 10 people who are exposed will lose their lives to the condition. People often contract legionnaires' disease because another person acted negligently or carelessly. In these cases, sick individuals can file a claim against the negligent party and hold them accountable for paying compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and more. Our Glendale legionnaires' disease lawyer can help ensure you receive the maximum damages to which you are entitled.
What are the Symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease?If left untreated, legionnaires' disease can be fatal for those who contract it. For this reason, it is imperative that everyone knows the symptoms of the disease. The most common signs of legionnaires' disease to appear in the first two days include:
After the first two days, symptoms will start to become worse and additional symptoms may also start to appear. The most common symptoms to appear on and after the third day are as follows:
It is never possible to determine when someone will become sick after being exposed to legionella bacteria. People who suffer from chronic lung disease or who have weakened immune systems are most likely to become very sick after being exposed to the bacteria. Individuals over 50 years old and people who smoke are also more at risk of becoming very ill. If you or a family member is suffering from legionnaires' disease due to someone else's negligence, an experienced legionnaires' disease attorney in Glendale can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How is Legionnaires' Disease Diagnosed and Treated?Legionnaires' disease is relatively easy to diagnose, so it is critical that you see a doctor as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. A doctor will conduct a physical exam and order chest x-rays and different laboratory tests. The most effective test when diagnosing legionnaires' disease is the urine antigen test.
When legionnaires' is diagnosed relatively quickly, antibiotics are effective at treating the condition. Antibiotics will quickly detect the bacteria and kill them. The majority of people who receive antibiotics for the condition will recover within ten days. In cases where antibiotics are not effective, individuals usually have to be admitted to the hospital to receive extensive treatment in the intensive care unit.
Our Legionnaires' Disease Lawyer in Glendale Can Assist with Your CaseIf you have become sick from legionnaires' disease due to another person's negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Brod Law Firm, our Glendale legionnaires' disease attorney can help you claim the full settlement you are entitled to so you can claim the full damages to which you are entitled. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review with our experienced attorney.