Santa Maria Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer

If you or someone in your family has contracted Legionnaires’ disease, it is critical that you speak to a Santa Maria Legionnaires’ disease lawyer. Someone else may be responsible for the illness, and an attorney can help you hold them accountable and claim damages for your medical expenses, lost income, and more. Below, our experienced attorney explains the symptoms of the disease, how it is contracted, and more.

How is Legionnaires’ Disease Contracted?

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the legionella bacteria. This bacteria is found in both natural and man-made water systems. When a person is exposed in a natural environment, the bacteria will not usually cause illness. Legionella bacteria found in man-made structures such as sinks, showers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and air conditioning systems, can cause severe illness.

People contract Legionnaires disease after inhaling small droplets of water that contain the legionella bacteria. There are certain conditions that can increase the risk of Legionnaires’ disease, including:

• Water temperatures between 68 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit,
• Water that is recirculated or stored, and
• The presence of deposits that support the growth of the bacteria, such as scale, biofilms, sludge, rust, and organic matter.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that has the potential to become fatal. Most people will experience symptoms between two and 14 days after exposure, but in some cases, it can take longer. The most common symptoms of the disease are as follows:

• Cough
• High fever
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Headaches
• Chest pain
• Muscle aches
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Confusion

While Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized every year. Tragically, approximately one out of four people pass away from the disease annually.

What to Do After Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease

If you or someone you love has contracted Legionnaires’ disease, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights. The disease is reportable, so it is important to inform the California Department of Public Health. You should also report if you stayed anywhere other than your own home in the two weeks before experiencing symptoms.

You should also prepare detailed notes of anywhere you visited and any activities you participated in the two weeks before experiencing symptoms. This will help you pinpoint the possible water sources that could have caused the illness. You should also outline your specific symptoms and when you started experiencing them.

After the source of the disease has been determined, the water supply needs to be tested. The Department of Public Health typically only investigates and tests the water supply when there are two or more cases reported. If the Department does not conduct an investigation, you should speak to a Legionnaires’ disease attorney in Santa Maria who can conduct an independent investigation.

Call Our Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer in Santa Maria

At Brod Law Firm, our Santa Maria Legionnaire’s disease attorney can determine the source of your illness and who is liable so you obtain the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more.

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