San Francisco Legionnaires’ Attorney

Legionnaires’ disease is a preventable and often severe illness caused by exposure to waterborne Legionella bacteria. In San Francisco, outbreaks can occur when businesses, property owners, or maintenance teams neglect proper water system care. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, you may have the right to seek compensation.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious and preventable type of pneumonia that occurs after inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Common sources of these droplets include:

• Cooling towers in HVAC systems
• Hot tubs and spas
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Complex plumbing systems in large buildings

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically appear 2 to 10 days after exposure and may include:

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• High fever
• Muscle aches
• Severe headaches

While anyone can contract the disease, those at higher risk include older adults, smokers, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical to recovery.

Who Can Pursue a Legionnaires’ Disease Claim?

When negligence causes a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, several parties may be eligible to file claims, including:

Infected Individuals

Those who contract the disease can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Legal Guardians

Guardians of minors or incapacitated individuals may file claims on their behalf if they contract the illness.

Family Members

In cases where the disease causes a death, close family members can pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and more.

How to Prove a Legionnaires’ Disease Claim

To successfully pursue a claim, a plaintiff (victim) in San Francisco must demonstrate that negligence caused their illness. This involves proving:

• Duty of Care: Defendants (e.g., property owners or maintenance contractors) have a legal duty to maintain water systems safely.
• Breach of Duty: Defendants failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria.
• Causation: Evidence must link the source of the plaintiff’s infection to the defendant’s premises. For instance, through environmental testing, outbreak investigations, or medical evidence.
• Damages: The plaintiff must show they suffered harm, such as medical expenses or lost wages, as a result of the illness.

Plaintiffs must show that the defendant failed to meet the required standard of care, such as neglecting regular inspections or disinfection protocols.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Liability for Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in San Francisco can fall on various parties, including:

Property Owners/Managers

Responsible for ensuring water systems in their buildings are properly maintained and monitored.

Maintenance Companies

Liable if their negligence in servicing water systems or equipment leads to contamination.

Employers

Accountable if an outbreak occurs at the workplace due to unsafe conditions.

Product Manufacturers

If defective equipment, such as water heaters or cooling towers, contributes to bacterial growth, manufacturers may be held responsible.

Contact Our San Francisco Legionnaires’ Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by Legionnaires’ disease in San Francisco, contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC. We offer free consultations, call (877) 621-7165 or message us online today.