Visalia Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
There are a number of different diseases and conditions that can cause significant pain and prevent you from performing even the most basic of tasks. Legionnaires’ disease is one of the most serious. It is a type of pneumonia that causes the lungs to become inflamed. Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires’ disease, and after exposure, a person may begin experiencing symptoms within two to 10 days. In the majority of cases, Legionnaires’ disease is entirely preventable. People typically only become sick due to another person’s negligence. In cases of Legionnaires’ disease, negligence typically lies with property owners who failed to make sure their water supply was safe. In some cases, operators and manufacturers of water systems can also be held liable when a person contracts Legionnaires’ disease. If you or someone you love has become sick due to another person’s carelessness, our Visalia Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can help you claim the damages you deserve.
Where to Find Legionella BacteriaLegionella bacteria can develop in any water source that is not properly manufactured or maintained. Legionella bacteria do not pose a serious health risk when it is found in natural water sources such as lakes and rivers. However, when legionella is found in man-made water sources, it endangers the health of any person who uses the system. Consuming or inhaling legionella bacteria can result in Legionnaires’ disease. Some types of water systems that commonly contain the bacteria include:
- Public showers, such as those found in swimming pools or gyms,
- Showers in hotel and motel rooms,
- Water fountains,
- Gym equipment,
- Air conditioning units, particularly those found in large structures such as apartment and condo complexes,
- Hot tubs and whirlpools, and
- Supermarket produce areas, especially when they use misters to water the produce.
Aerosolized water droplets are the main source of Legionnaires’ disease, but the bacteria is also found in soil. In rarer cases, people can become sick from Legionnaires’ disease after working in the garden or with potting soil. If you have been exposed, contact a Legionnaire’s disease attorney in Visalia for help.
Common Symptoms of Legionnaires’ DiseaseAfter a person has been exposed to the legionella bacteria and has consumed or inhaled it, their lungs may experience inflammation. Heart problems have also been associated with the legionella bacteria. The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease differ depending on the stage of the sickness. In the first few days, a person may experience:
- Cough
- Chills
- Headaches
- Muscle pains
- A fever of up to 104 degrees
As Legionnaires’ disease progresses, they may start to experience symptoms that are more severe. These symptoms may include:
- Coughing, sometimes accompanied by blood or mucus
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Increased feeling of confusion
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, particularly after using a water source, it is critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Seeing a doctor will not only allow you to receive the medical treatment you need, but it will also document the disease, which will help you obtain the damages you deserve.
Our Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer in Visalia Provides Sound Legal AdviceAt Brod Law Firm, our Visalia Legionnaires’ disease attorney can help you prove someone else’s negligence caused your illness and will hold them responsible for paying the maximum settlement you are entitled to. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to request a free review of your case and to get the information you need.