Many outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease can be linked to hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, and industrial or commercial water systems. If you can prove exposure to Legionella bacteria occurred while you were staying or visiting an establishment with those environments, you may be able to pursue a Legionnaires’ disease claim.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is “a severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection. It’s caused by a bacterium known as legionella,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Legionella bacteria are found naturally in an environment, usually in water, and people can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in droplets of mist or vapor that contain the bacteria.
“Most people catch Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling the bacteria from water or soil,” the Mayo Clinic reported. The medical center added that it “primarily affects the lungs,” but “occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart.”
Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms
Some Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include:
- High fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
- Confusion or other mental changes
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Chronic pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Headaches
The most susceptible individuals when it comes to Legionnaires’ disease are the very young, the elderly, smokers, and anyone with lung disease or a compromised immune system. Importantly, it is not transmitted from person to person, and according to the Mayo Clinic, “most outbreaks have occurred in large buildings.”
Symptoms begin two to 14 days after exposure. A proper diagnosis is essential so treatment can be started quickly. Unfortunately, Legionnaires’ disease can lead to a number of life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure, septic shock, and acute kidney failure. If it is not treated promptly, Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal.
If you or a loved one suffered due to a Legionella bacteria exposure and a hotel, hospital, or other business or facility is at fault, you may be able to file a Legionnaires’ disease claim to seek compensation and justice.
Contact Phillips Law Group
The team at Phillips Law Group is very experienced in personal injury cases and may be able to assist you if you were exposed to Legionella bacteria and suffered severe illness. You may be entitled to financial compensation to help cover the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Please contact our firm today to discuss your situation in a free, no-obligation consultation. Our firm can talk you through your legal options in a totally confidential evaluation and help you determine the best next steps for you or a loved one.
Phillips Law Group has been in business for over 30 years and is a trusted voice in the Arizona community. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you suffered due to Legionella bacteria exposure. Give us a call today to learn more.
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