If you or someone you love has developed Legionnaires’ disease, it is important to speak to a Pomona Legionnaires’ disease lawyer. Another person or entity may be liable for your illness and a lawyer can help you hold them responsible and recover compensation for your losses. These may include your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Our experienced attorney explains more below.
What Causes Legionnaires’ Disease?The legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires’ disease, and it can be found in both man-made and natural sources. When legionella is found in natural sources, it does not typically make people sick. The legionella bacteria is most likely to cause harm when it is found in man-made water systems. These can include showers, sinks, decorative fountains, hot tubs, and air conditioning systems. When these sources contain legionella, it can result in very serious illness.
When a person uses a water source that contains the legionella bacteria, they can inhale contaminated droplets of water. There are certain conditions that can make the presence of legionella more likely, and they are as follows:
Of all the different types of pneumonia, legionnaire’s disease is one of the most serious. For most people, symptoms will start to develop between 2 and 14 days after exposure, although it can take longer in some cases. The most common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
Between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease each year. Sadly, for one out of four people, the disease is fatal.
Steps to Take After Contracting Legionnaires’ DiseaseThere are many steps to take if you or someone you love has contracted Legionnaires’ disease. Firstly, inform the California Department of Public Health, as the disease is reportable. Inform the CDPH if you stayed anywhere other than your own home in the two weeks leading up to your first symptoms.
Make a detailed list of any place you visited and anything you did in the two weeks before symptoms started to appear. This can help you identify the water source that caused the illness. Additionally, make note of your specific symptoms and when they started to appear.
Once you have determined the source of the disease, it should be tested for the legionella bacteria. The CDPH will usually only investigate and test the water source if two or more cases are reported. If the agency does not conduct an investigation, it is even more important to speak to a Pomona Legionnaires’ disease attorney who can identify the source.
Our Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer in Pomona Can Help With Your CaseOur Legionnaires’ disease attorney in Pomona at Brod Law Firm has the necessary experience to identify the source of your illness and hold the liable party accountable for paying the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and get the legal help you need.