Santa Clara Legionnaires' Disease Lawyer
Legionnaires' disease is one of the most serious types of pneumonia that causes the lungs to become inflamed. Legionella bacteria causes the disease, and it is found in water and soil sources. The majority of people who are exposed to the legionella bacteria become sick after they inhale or consume contaminated water droplets. Legionnaires' disease does not always give rise to a lawsuit, but there are times when it does. Property owners and people who are responsible for designing, manufacturing, and maintaining water supplies have a legal duty to ensure their premises and water sources are safe. Any time one party fails to do this, they can be held liable. Through a successful lawsuit, individuals can pursue medical expenses, lost income, and more. Our Santa Clara Legionnaires' disease lawyer can help you claim the full amount you deserve.
Who is Liable for Legionnaires' Disease?One of the first steps in any personal injury case, including those involving Legionnaires' disease, is to determine who is at fault for the exposure. In order for another person to be liable, they must have acted negligently, and you must have become sick due to that carelessness.
In most claims involving Legionnaires' disease, it is property owners who are responsible for exposure to the legionella bacteria. Property owners have a responsibility to inspect all areas of their premises, including the water supply. To make sure water supplies are safe, property owners must use appropriate disinfecting chemicals that will kill all types of bacteria, including legionella. When property owners fail to meet this duty, they can be held liable for paying compensation.
In other instances, any person responsible for designing, manufacturing, inspecting, engineering, or maintaining the water supply can also be held responsible for legionella bacteria. For instance, a restaurant may hire a third party to inspect and test the water supply regularly. If that company did not perform its job sufficiently and a person became sick as a result, the company could be held accountable.
Evidence that Can Support Your ClaimWhen filing a claim against a negligent property owner or another party, you must prove their negligent actions caused you or a loved one to become sick. Proving your case is the only way to obtain the full damages you are entitled to, but you need strong evidence to do it.
Medical documentation is some of the strongest pieces of evidence when filing a Legionnaires' disease claim. Medical records can prove that you became sick after exposure to the legionella bacteria. Other records, such as those pertaining to the inspection or maintenance of a water supply, can also help prove a case. These records are not always easy to obtain, so it is recommended that you work with a Santa Clara Legionnaires' disease attorney.
Eyewitness statements or testimony from others who became sick during an outbreak can also serve as strong evidence. You should also always take pictures throughout your illness to show how sick you became. An attorney can advise on the other types of evidence that may help with your specific case.
Our Legionnaires' Disease Lawyer in Santa Clara Can Help You Claim Full DamagesIf you or a loved one has become sick with Legionnaires' disease and you think someone else is to blame, you need sound legal advice. At Brod Law Firm, our Legionnaires' disease attorney in Santa Clara can provide it and help you navigate the process so you claim the full damages you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.