Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia that causes an inflammation of the lungs. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the legionella bacteria found in water and soil. People become sick with the condition after consuming or inhaling the bacteria found in contaminated soil or water. Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed never become sick. Tragically, though, Legionnaires’ disease is fatal for one out of 10 people who contract it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Legionnaires’ disease will result in mounting medical bills, and people become so ill, they cannot return to work until they have recovered. In some instances, people become sick due to someone else’s negligence. When that is the case, sick individuals can file a claim against the liable party to receive compensation for their losses. Below, our San Bruno Legionnaires’ disease lawyer explains further.
Determining Liability After Contracting Legionnaires’ DiseaseAfter contracting Legionnaires’ disease, one of the first steps to take is to determine where you came into contact with the legionella bacteria. This will help you determine who is liable for paying financial compensation for your losses. Typically, hotel owners, cruise ship companies, nursing homes and hospital administrators are liable for Legionnaires’ disease.
California’s premises liability laws state that all property owners must maintain their property in a manner that keeps everyone safe, and that keeps the premises free of defects. Under this law, all property owners must make sure the legionella bacteria is not on their premises. When it is and someone becomes sick from it, property owners can be held liable.
However, it is not always property owners who are to blame for Legionnaires’ disease. Water systems must also be properly constructed and maintained so legionella bacteria cannot thrive in them. Engineers, construction workers, installers, manufacturers, inspectors, and anyone responsible for maintaining the system all have a legal duty to make sure they perform their job properly so no one becomes sick.
How to Prove Liability After Contracting Legionnaires’ DiseaseOnce you have determined where you contracted Legionnaires’ disease, and the party responsible, you must then prove your case. To do this, you must prove four important elements of your claim. These include:
A San Bruno Legionnaires’ disease attorney can subpoena important records, such as the maintenance reports of certain water systems, so you can obtain the full damages you are entitled to.
Contact Our Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer in San Bruno TodayAt Brod Law Firm, our Legionnaires’ disease attorney in San Bruno knows the devastation this sickness causes, which is why we are passionate about helping sick individuals recover the full compensation they justly deserve. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free case review and to learn more about how we can help.