Legionnaires’ disease is a very serious form of pneumonia that causes inflammation of the lungs. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the legionella bacteria, which can be found in water and soil, although most people become ill after consuming or inhaling contaminated water droplets.
When someone develops Legionnaires’ disease, they can sometimes hold property owners and parties who were responsible for manufacturing, designing, and maintaining water systems liable. By filing a personal injury claim against the negligent party, individuals can recover compensation for their medical bills and more. If you or someone you love has become sick, do not file a claim on your own. A Long Beach Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can help you claim the full settlement you deserve.
Determining Liability for Legionnaires’ DiseaseContracting Legionnaires’ disease does not mean, unfortunately, that you can automatically hold another person liable for paying for your damages. To hold another person liable, that party must have acted negligently, and you must have suffered harm as a result.
In the majority of Legionnaires’ disease claims, negligent property owners are to blame for victims suffering from the condition. All property owners in Long Beach, and throughout California, have a legal duty to make sure their premises are safe for anyone who uses the property. This legal duty extends to all areas of a property, including the water source. All water sources on any property should use the appropriate disinfectant and proper pH levels that will kill all bacteria, including legionella.
Other times, any party who was responsible for manufacturing, designing, engineering, inspecting, or maintaining the water source can also be held liable for legionella exposure. For example, a hotel may hire a company to regularly test their water for toxins. If the third party did not complete their job properly and someone became sick as a result, they can be held liable with the help of a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer in Long Beach.
Important Evidence When Filing a ClaimUnfortunately, simply stating that someone else was to blame for the condition of you or a loved one is not enough when filing a claim. You need to prove your case to obtain the full damages you deserve, and that means you need strong evidence.
Often, medical records are the most important pieces of evidence used in Legionnaires’ disease cases. Medical documents can show that you have become sick after being exposed to legionella bacteria. Other documentation can also help corroborate a case, but these are not always readily available to the general public. A lawyer can subpoena these records when gathering evidence in your case.
Other important evidence in any personal injury case can include eyewitness and expert testimony, as well as pictures that can explicitly show just how ill a person became. These pieces of evidence are important in Legionnaires’ cases too and can help prove liability.
Our Legionnaires’ Disease Attorney in Long Beach Can Advise You of Your Legal OptionsIf you have contracted Legionnaires’ disease due to the negligence of another party, you do have legal options. At Brod Law Firm, our Long Beach Legionnaires’ disease attorney can advise you of what those are, and help you claim the full and fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or connect with us online to schedule a free review of your case.