Oceanside Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer

Of all the different types of pneumonia you could suffer from, Legionnaires’ disease is one of the most severe. It is the legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, and this bacteria is found in soil as well as water. For the majority of people who are exposed to legionella, there are no serious consequences. Sadly, this is not the case for everyone. Approximately 10% of people who do become sick from the bacteria lose their lives to the disease. People cannot always avoid contracting Legionnaires’ disease. This does not mean it is not preventable. Many times, people contract the disease due to the negligence or carelessness of another person. In these cases, our Oceanside Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can determine who is liable and hold them accountable for paying the compensation victims need.

If Legionnaires’ disease is not treated promptly, it does have the potential to become fatal. To avoid further harm, it is critical that everyone knows the most common symptoms of legionnaires’ disease. This is the only way to obtain the proper treatment right away. Within the first two days, the most common symptoms are as follows:

• Coughs
• Headaches
• Chills
• Muscle pains
• Fever

Symptoms associated with Legionnaires’ disease become much worse after the second day. Worsening symptoms can include:

• Nausea, with or without vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Increased confusion
• Coughing, which may produce mucus or blood
• Chest pain

Fortunately, not everyone becomes sick after being exposed to the bacteria. Individuals who are considered at higher risk of contracting the disease are those over the age of 50, heavy smokers and former smokers, and people who have a chronic lung disease, such as asthma. If you have become ill, reach out to a Legionnaires’ disease attorney in Oceanside.

Diagnosing legionnaires’ disease is fairly easy. Usually, only laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and a physical exam are necessary. A doctor may also order a urinary antigen test when diagnosing the disease. Legionnaires’ disease is also relatively easy to treat once it has been diagnosed. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed. This medication will attack and destroy the legionella bacteria, and most people will make a full recovery 10 days after taking antibiotics. When antibiotics do not help, people usually require hospitalization, and in some cases, they require treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.

Further symptoms are not usually experienced once a person has received proper treatment unless they are exposed again at some point in the future. In rare cases, some individuals may experience long-term respiratory problems even after their initial symptoms have been alleviated.

Cases of Legionnaires’ disease are often the fault of negligent property owners who do not ensure their premises are safe and free of the legionella bacteria. At Brod Law Firm, our Oceanside Legionnaires’ disease attorney can determine who is to blame for your illness and will hold them fully accountable for paying the compensation you are entitled to. Call us at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to get the legal help you need.