San Jose Legionnaires' Disease Lawyer

Legionnaires' disease is a painful and debilitating condition for anyone who suffers from it. If you or a loved one has contracted the disease, one of your first steps should be to speak to a San Jose legionnaires' disease lawyer. Another person or entity may be responsible for your sickness, and a lawyer will identify who is to blame and hold them accountable for paying damages for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. If you want to file a claim for compensation, it is important you do not delay. Time is of the essence, and your lawyer will collect and preserve important evidence before it disappears.

Prior to the discovery of legionnaires' disease, Pontiac disease was a fairly significant problem. Pontiac disease is a mild flu-like sickness, and most people who contract it make a full recovery without treatment. Pontiac disease is caused by the legionella bacteria, and the condition was discovered quite recently in 1968 after individuals in Pontiac, Michigan's health department fell ill with it.

It was not until 10 years later, in 1978, that legionnaires' disease was discovered in Philadelphia. It was at that time the American Legion held a convention, and many people in attendance became sick shortly afterward. Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia that is also caused by legionella bacteria. The effects of legionnaires' disease are much more catastrophic than Pontiac disease. Although most people who are exposed to the bacteria do not become sick, the condition can be fatal for some.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by the legionella bacteria. This bacteria is found in water in both natural and manufactured environments. In natural environments such as lakes, streams, and rivers, legionella does not typically pose a problem. When it is found in indoor environments, such as in air conditioners, hot tubs, and misters, legionella bacteria becomes much more dangerous. When a person inhales or consumes droplets of water contaminated with legionella, they can then become very sick. Some of the most common places legionella is found are as follows:

• Water cooling systems in hotels and hospitals
• Produce misters in grocery stores
• Swimming pools
• Physical therapy equipment
• Cruise ships
• Amusement parks

Legionnaires' disease can present a variety of symptoms. The most common include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Aches and pains in the joints and muscles
• Fever of 104 degrees or higher
• Confusion that increases over time

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, it is critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is possible to treat legionnaires' disease, but you must act quickly. Once you have obtained medical treatment, you should then speak to a legionnaires' disease lawyer in San Jose who can advise on your case.

If you have become sick after being exposed to legionella bacteria, our experienced San Jose legionnaires' disease attorney at Brod Law Firm can advise on your case. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or connect with us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about your legal options.