Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer

Legionnaires’ disease — or any outbreak — results in significant damages, which might even include death, depending on the severity. In fact, one in ten people who get sick from Legionnaires’ disease suffer an untimely death.

Survivors face an uphill battle to treat their symptoms and deal with ongoing medical expenses. However, you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence. A Legionnaire’s disease attorney can work with local health departments to trace your sickness and identify the source.

Contact OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation. Call 888-828-7087 today.

Our team of experienced Legionnaire’s disease attorneys will gather evidence that supports your claim and help you fight for total compensation.

Why You Need a Legionnaires’ Disease Attorney

You need a strong advocate willing to fight for the compensation you need to recover from your illness. Our attorneys will help you in the following ways:

• We’ll work with local health officials to identify the source of the outbreak
• We’ll identify all the liable parties
• We’ll gather evidence to support your claim, such as medical records
• We’ll negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurer
• We’ll take your case to court if negotiations break down

Compensation for Legionnaires’ Disease Claim

Depending on the severity of your illness, you could be entitled to several damages, which include the following:

• Mental and emotional suffering
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Medical bills
• Permanent physical limitations

Legionnaires’ disease could be fatal, and if your loved one died from their illness, you have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. We’ll help you recover the following damages associated with wrongful deaths:

• Funeral Costs
• Lost financial support
• Emotional suffering

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

During an American Legion convention in Philadelphia in 1976, many attendees fell ill with a pneumonia-like lung infection, later called Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which is often found in freshwater sources. However, the risk for infection presents itself when this bacterium invades the water in showers, sinks, water heaters, cooling towers, and other sources.

Legionella can also grow in obscure places, such as windshield wiper fluid tanks in cars. Legionella can spread through the air in tiny droplets that victims breathe in. Although this is the most common way for the bacteria to spread, you could also consume it through drinking water.

Where do Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreaks Commonly Occur?

Since Legionella can contaminate a building’s water infrastructure, Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks are primarily seen in large buildings. Bacteria can grow in plumbing, water heaters, and cooling towers. However, these outbreaks are preventable, and the Centers for Disease Control states that 9 in 10 were caused by problems preventable with more effective water management.

Facilities with complex water systems must have an adequate water management program that involves routine maintenance to prevent Legionella growth. This water management plan should involve regular sampling and keeping water outside the temperatures ideal for Legionella growth (77-113 ºF). Due to the hot temperatures preferred by Legionella bacteria, contaminations are typical in hot tubs.

Possible Liable Parties in A Legionnaires’ Disease Case

Healthcare facilities are another major concern for Legionnaires’ disease, given that they care for many at-risk individuals. These facilities must take extra caution to identify potential hazards and take action immediately.

Here are some parties that could be liable for your Legionnaires’ disease:

• Hospitals and nursing staff
• Hotels and management staff
• Resort owners and management staff
• Nursing homes and staff members
• Cruise ship operators

You should note that since Legionella bacteria is common within the infrastructure of a building, employees, and workers in specific industries could be at a higher risk for exposure. If employers do not regularly maintain and treat the water systems in the building, they could be liable for an outbreak.

What Are the Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease?

This disease is described as a more severe form of pneumonia because the symptoms impact the respiratory system. These symptoms include the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headaches

Diagnosing and Treating Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease often goes unrecognized, with as many as 90% of cases misdiagnosed as other respiratory conditions, such as SARS, left ventricle failure, or various forms of pneumonia. Accurate diagnosis is achieved through specific laboratory tests, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), bacterial cultures, and a urinary antigen test.

Treatment for Legionnaires typically involves antibiotics. Most people respond well to this treatment. However, there are those who face increased risk, like the elderly or people with compromised immune systems. They may require treatment at a hospital.

These complications can include septic shock, respiratory failure, and kidney failure. Given the potentially severe consequences of Legionnaires’ disease, it is crucial to seek prompt and effective medical care if you suspect exposure or exhibit symptoms.

How to Report Legionnaires’ Disease

If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention immediately. A doctor’s evaluation ensures you are correctly diagnosed to confirm your Legionnaires’ disease.

Be sure to provide your doctor with as much detail about your condition as you can. Legionnaires’ disease is often underdiagnosed, and many experts believe that the number of cases could be much higher than what is reported.

Once you’ve sought medical help, you must report your case to the local or state health departments. These agencies will work together to investigate the source of your Legionnaires’ disease and make the outbreak public to inform others.

Suffering from Legionnaires’ Disease? Call Today

Legionnaires’ disease can wreak havoc on your respiratory system, and older individuals with compromised immune systems face an even greater risk of harm, often resulting in death. The Legionnaires’ disease attorneys at OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers understand how to handle these cases and will work diligently to ensure you’re made whole again.

Contact our office today at 888-828-7087 or contact us to schedule your free consultation.