Berkeley Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
Legionnaires’ disease is a very serious condition. This illness is a form of pneumonia that inflames the lungs. The legionella bacteria cause the disease, and a person can become sick when they inhale or consume water that is contaminated with the bacteria. Many people who are exposed to legionella never become sick, but when a person does contract Legionnaires’ disease, there is a 10% chance that it will be fatal. Contracting Legionnaires’ disease does not automatically mean that you have a legal right to file a claim. However, if you or someone you love becomes sick and another person is to blame for the exposure, you may be able to file a claim against them for compensation. Our Berkeley Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can help you obtain the maximum damages you deserve.
Determining Liability for Legionella ExposureIf you have contracted Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed to the legionella bacteria, you may have a valid claim. Liability, or fault, in cases involving Legionnaires’ disease usually lies with property owners, including nursing homes, hospitals, hotels, and cruise ships. All property owners in Berkeley and throughout California have a legal responsibility to make sure their premises are in a safe condition for anyone who enters the property. This means property owners must make sure the property does not contain dangers, including the legionella bacteria.
Sometimes, property owners are not liable for Legionnaires’ disease, but other people are. In these cases, it is typically people and companies who are responsible for constructing, designing, manufacturing, engineering, installing, or maintaining water systems. All of these parties have a legal responsibility to ensure they perform their jobs properly so that other people do not suffer harm.
How to Prove Liability for Legionnaires’ DiseaseWhen filing a claim based on Legionnaires’ disease, you must prove that another person’s negligence, or carelessness, caused the condition. As with any other type of personal injury claim, there are four elements of your case you must prove. These are as follows:
- The liable party, known as the defendant, owed you a duty of care,
- The defendant acted negligently and breached their duty of care,
- You were exposed to legionella as a result of the defendant’s negligence, and
- You incurred damages, such as medical expenses and lost income, as a result of the Legionnaires’ disease.
Proving that you contracted Legionnaires’ disease may be fairly straightforward, but proving that another person is to blame is not. Our Berkeley Legionnaires’ disease attorney can determine who is at fault for your condition and prove your claim so you obtain the full settlement you are entitled to.
Call Our Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer in Berkeley TodayIf you or someone you love has contracted Legionnaires’ disease due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. At Brod Law Firm, our Legionnaires’ disease attorney in Berekely can prove another party was liable for your injuries and hold them accountable for paying the full damages you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case.