Santa Rosa Legionnaires' Disease Lawyer

There are many different types of pneumonia, but of all of them, Legionnaires' disease is one of the most severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionnaires' disease hospitalizes 10,000 people every year although, due to the fact that the disease is largely underreported, the number of people who suffer from it is likely much higher. A person contracts Legionnaires' disease after they inhale or consume water or soil that has been contaminated with the legionella bacteria. In the vast majority of cases, the sickness could have been prevented. If you or someone you love has become sick, our Santa Rosa Legionnaires' disease lawyer can help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Legionnaires' disease, sometimes also known as legionella pneumonia or legionellosis, is caused by the legionella bacteria. Pontiac disease, more commonly known as Pontiac fever, is also caused by coming into contact with the legionella bacteria, but it is not nearly as serious.

Legionella can be found in both outdoor and indoor environments and in natural and artificial structures. When found in a natural water source, legionella bacteria does not pose much threat. Legionella in manufactured water sources, though, such as water cooling towers, hot water tanks, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and in plumbing systems of large structures, can quickly build to unsafe levels.

People become sick with Legionnaires' disease when they inhale the vapor or mist of water contaminated with the bacteria. The disease has an incubation period of between two and 10 days, so this is when symptoms are most likely to appear. Many people never feel the harmful effects of being exposed to legionella, but for 10% of people, the condition is fatal. If you have contracted this disease or lost a family member to it, contact a Legionnaires' disease attorney in Santa Rosa right away.

Property owners have a legal duty to keep their property safe, which includes creating a water management plan to prevent the bacteria from growing. Water management plans are an industry standard for manufacturers and operators of water cooling towers, hot tubs, and other water supplies. Without a plan, property owners may not be aware of the presence of legionella. Even a small amount of legionella poses a danger to human health. When property owners are not aware it exists on the premises, the levels can climb to even more dangerous levels.

When property owners do not fulfill their legal duty, anyone who is injured or becomes sick as a result can file a personal injury claim against them. Those who are successful with their claim can obtain compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and more.

If you or someone you love has become sick due to a property owner’s negligence, you probably have a lot of questions. At Brod Law Firm, our Santa Rosa Legionnaires' disease attorney will handle your case with compassion while negotiating with the insurance company for the full and fair settlement to which you are entitled. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case.