Alameda Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are mainly found in water, although soil can also contain Legionella. Fortunately, the majority of people exposed to Legionella do not suffer any serious harm. Tragically, that is not always the case. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10% of people exposed to the bacteria will die from legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is largely preventable, which makes things even more frustrating for people who become sick from the illness. Many people only become sick due to the negligent actions or inactions of property owners, manufacturers, contractors, and others. When another person or a company is to blame for someone’s illness, they can be held liable for paying compensation. Below, our Alameda Legionnaires’ disease lawyer outlines important things to know.

What are the Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease?

When exposed to the Legionella bacteria, a person may start experiencing symptoms within two to 10 days. The first symptoms to appear within the first two days are as follows:

• Headaches
• Fever up to 104 degrees
• Chills
• Cough
• Muscle pains

After the second day, the symptoms become more serious. They include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Coughing, which may produce blood or mucus
• Increased confusion
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breach

Some individuals are at higher risk of contracting the disease than others. These include heavy and former smokers, individuals over the age of 50, and people who suffer from chronic lung diseases, such as asthma. If you have started showing symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, it is important to make a list of the places you have visited within the past two weeks. This can help you determine the source of the condition and who to hold liable for paying compensation.

Is Legionnaires’ Disease Treatable?

Diagnosing and treating legionnaires’ disease is relatively straightforward. A physical exam, chest x-ray, and laboratory tests can detect the presence of the bacteria. Antigen and urine tests are also often used to reach a diagnosis. Once a patient has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, antibiotics are typically enough to treat the condition. After ten days of using antibiotics, most people make a full recovery. When a person does not recover after a full course of antibiotics, they may require hospitalization.

While legionnaires’ disease is fairly easy to treat, you may still suffer serious losses as a result of the condition. You will incur bills for doctors’ visits, hospitalizations, prescription medication, and more. You will also likely have to miss time for work, leaving you unable to earn an income to pay for those bills. Through a personal injury claim, and with the help of a Legionnaires’ disease attorney in Alameda, you can obtain the compensation you need to cover those expenses and other losses.

Call Our Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer in Alameda Today

At Brod Law Firm, our Alameda Legionnaires’ disease attorney can determine who is liable for your sickness and hold them responsible for paying the full compensation you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.