Ojai Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer

Legionnaires’ disease, also known as Legionella pneumonia or legionellosis, is a serious type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. In some cases, the disease is fatal. Legionella bacteria are found in both natural and man-made environments. The bacteria are not harmful when found in natural environments, but when it develops in cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, and other artificial environments, they can cause serious harm. If you or someone you love has become sick with Legionnaires’ disease, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent party that caused it. Below, our Ojai Legionnaires’ disease lawyer explains how the sickness develops and your legal options afterward.

How Do People Contract Legionnaires’ Disease?

People become sick with Legionnaires’ disease when they inhale the vapor or mist that contains the Legionella bacteria. After exposure, a person can start experiencing symptoms within 2 to 14 days. The most common symptoms of infection include headaches, high fever, muscle aches, cough, and shortness of breath.

Anyone can develop Legionnaires’ disease, but there are certain individuals who are more susceptible to its severe effects than others. These include individuals over the age of 50 years old, former or current smokers, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals with chronic lung disease. These individuals are more likely to require hospitalization after contracting Legionnaires’ disease. Approximately 10% of all Legionnaires’ disease cases are fatal. If you or a loved one has been affected, a Legionnaires’ disease attorney in Ojai can help.

Legionnaires’ Disease Complications

Legionnaires’ disease can cause a number of life-threatening complications. These include:

• Sepsis: Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection. When sepsis progresses, it can result in septic shock, which is the failure of multiple organs, and it is often fatal.
• Acute kidney failure: Sepsis can also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose the ability to eliminate waste and fluid from the bloodstream. The waste and fluid then accumulate in the body, which can result in death.
• Endocarditis: Endocarditis occurs when the endocardium, or the inner lining of the heart, becomes infected. This can occur when Legionnaires’ disease becomes septic.
• Respiratory failure: Legionnaires’ disease can significantly damage the respiratory system, including loss of oxygen in the arteries and mechanical changes in the lungs. After a patient develops respiratory failure, the odds of recovery are low.

When to File a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit

Property owners are responsible for ensuring their premises are safe for guests and visitors to enter. This includes inspecting water sources and systems such as water fountains, showers, plumbing systems, cooling towers, HVAC systems, and other water systems to ensure they are clean and do not contain the Legionella bacteria. When owners of hotels, motels, AirBNB accommodations, gyms, hospitals, and other locations fail to do this, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against them to recover damages for your injuries and other losses.

Call Our Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer in Ojai for a Free Case Review

At Brod Law Firm, our Ojai Legionnaires’ disease attorney is committed to helping our clients get the answers, justice, and compensation they deserve. If you believe that you or someone you love was harmed due to another person’s negligence, call us at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free case review and to get the legal help you need.