Fontana Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer

Legionnaires’ disease, also known as legionella pneumonia, is an extremely serious form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria. People do not always become sick when they are exposed to the legionella bacteria, but in some cases, it is fatal. The legionella bacteria can also cause another infection, known as Pontiac Fever, but this sickness is not as serious. Below, our Fontana Legionnaires’ disease lawyer explains the symptoms to watch for and how to file a claim if someone else’s negligence caused your illness.

Legionella bacteria is present in both natural and man-made environments. When found in natural settings, the bacteria does not typically pose a threat. It is when the bacteria develops in man-made environments that it poses the biggest risk. The bacteria grow best in warm water, such as that found in hot water tanks, cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and the plumbing systems found in large structures.

People can become sick with Legionnaires’ disease when they inhale vapor or mist containing the bacteria. Once exposed, a person can become sick within 2 to 14 days. The most common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are shortness of breath, coughing, muscle aches, high fever, and headaches.

While anyone can contract Legionnaires’ disease, there are some people who are at higher risk than others. These include current and former smokers, individuals 50 years of age or older, and people with weaker immune systems or chronic lung disease. For approximately 10% of people who become sick from Legionnaires’ disease, it is fatal.

If you contracted Legionnaires’ disease due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim against them for compensation. The following steps can help you determine if you have a valid claim:

• Contact a Fontana legionnaires’ disease attorney:Legionnaires’ disease can be diagnosed through x-rays and blood tests . After receiving a diagnosis, you should then contact a Fontana Legionnaires’ disease lawyer.
• Determine source of exposure:After receiving a diagnosis, you should then create a list of all the places you have been in the last two weeks. This will help you determine where you were exposed.
• Determine if there was an outbreak:You can still file a claim even if you are not part of an outbreak. However, determining if other people become sick from the same place of exposure can help prove your case.
• Review investigation results:When there is a confirmed case of Legionnaires’ disease, it is reported to the local and state health departments. The report will lead to a number of investigations including an epidemiological, environmental, and laboratory investigation. Your lawyer can obtain the results of these investigations and use the results to help your case.

If you or a loved one has become sick due to another person’s negligent actions, a Legionnaires’ disease attorney in Fontana can help. At Brod Law Firm, our experienced attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim and give you the best chance of a favorable outcome. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about how we can help.