Bay Area Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
Contracting Legionnaires’ disease in Northern California can have serious consequences.
Legionnaires’ disease, sometimes called Legionellosis, can result in life-threatening or fatal respiratory infections. Victims can contract this illness when hotels and resorts fail to take steps to protect visitors or warn them of a potential outbreak.
If you developed pneumonia after exposure to Legionella, you could have the right to pursue a legal claim. A Los Angeles Legionnaires’ disease attorney at Riley Ersoff can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your economic and non-economic damages.
Call (866) 548-6137 to schedule a free case consultation with a Bay Area Legionnaire’s disease attorney today.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe, often life-threatening form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. This dangerous bacteria thrives in water systems like cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing, turning everyday environments into potential health hazards.
When contaminated water droplets are inhaled, the Legionella bacteria invade your lungs, leading to serious respiratory complications. While Pontiac fever, a milder illness caused by the same bacteria, often resolves without treatment, Legionnaires’ disease demands immediate medical attention. Without proper care, it can have fatal consequences.
Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms & Signs
The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically appear between 2 and 10 days after exposure. However, some victims do not experience symptoms until 14 days after exposure.
Symptoms can include some or all of the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Although less common, some victims experience nausea, diarrhea, and confusion.
Pontiac fever, the less severe version of Legionella infection, presents primarily with muscle aches and fever. Victims can experience symptoms within hours or as late as three days after exposure. Symptoms of Pontiac fever typically last not more than a week.
Common Sources of Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks are often traced back to seemingly harmless sources. Cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and even plumbing systems can become breeding grounds for the Legionella bacteria if not properly maintained.
These systems can expel contaminated water droplets into the air, putting anyone who breathes them at risk. The consequences can be severe, leading to lengthy hospitalizations, permanent lung damage, and even death.
At Riley Ersoff, we have extensive experience investigating Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks and identifying their sources. We understand the science behind these cases and know where to look for evidence of negligence.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to Legionella, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you determine the source of the infection and hold those responsible accountable for their failure to protect public health.
What You Need to Know About Legionnaires’ Disease
Even if you seek treatment for Legionnaires’ disease, you could experience serious complications. The severe type of lung inflammation caused by Legionella bacteria can lead to lung failure and, ultimately, death. In fact, the CDC reports that one in every 10 people who contract this disease will lose their lives.
Another risk of this disease is the development of secondary infections. Victims can develop infections in other parts of the body, including the heart. If you have any existing wounds, you also face the risk of developing an infection at those sites.
Even victims who survive a bout of Legionnaires’ disease are not in the clear. Victims face the potential of ongoing problems, including recurring or chronic lung conditions. These conditions can significantly degrade your quality of life. You could require expensive medical treatment, and, in some cases, your condition may prevent you from fulfilling your job duties.
Our Satisfied Clients
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“I am very happy and would recommend this firm to anyone. They had great representation and I really really appreciate the help they gave us. Thank you Grant Riley!”- William Family
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“Grant Riley and Victoria Ersoff are excellent lawyers and they will fight with all they have for you and your family. Angela, their Office Manager is also the nicest woman you’ll meet.”- Annie L.
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“Grant and staff were in our corner....He got us $ALOT OF MONEY$!!...Even after it was all done and over, Grant "Personally" checked in on us and made sure that we got a new place to live, and we were in good shape.”- Former Client
