San Diego Legionnaires’ Attorney

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrives in warm water environments such as cooling towers, hot tubs, plumbing systems, and fountains. With its warm climate and extensive infrastructure, San Diego is not immune to outbreaks of this potentially deadly disease. When such outbreaks occur, individuals affected may pursue legionnaires lawsuits to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling tiny droplets of water or mist that contain Legionella bacteria. Common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches, often developing within 2 to 10 days after exposure. The disease is particularly dangerous for older adults, smokers, and individuals with weakened immune systems, but it can affect anyone.

In San Diego, outbreaks can occur in places with complex water systems, such as hotels, hospitals, and large residential buildings. The bacteria grow best in warm water that is not adequately treated or circulated, making certain facilities more susceptible to outbreaks.

Legal Grounds for a Legionnaires’ Disease Claim

If you contract Legionnaires’ disease due to the negligence of a property owner or operator, you may have grounds to file a legal claim. To successfully pursue a claim, the plaintiff (victim) must demonstrate the following:

Duty of Care

The defendant (at-fault party) had a duty to maintain safe water systems and protect people from the risk of Legionella contamination.

Breach of Duty

The defendant failed to properly maintain, inspect, or treat the water systems, allowing the bacteria to thrive and spread.

Causation

The breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff to contract Legionnaires’ disease. This often requires epidemiological evidence linking the outbreak to the defendant’s facility.

Damages

The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of contracting the disease, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or, in severe cases, death.

Potentially Liable Parties

Multiple parties can be held liable for Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks depending on how and where the disease was contracted. For example:

• Property Owners and Managers: Owners and operators of hotels, hospitals, apartment complexes, and office buildings can be liable if they fail to maintain water systems properly.
• Maintenance Contractors: Companies responsible for servicing water systems may be liable if their negligence in cleaning or treating water systems leads to contamination.
• Employers: If the outbreak occurs in a workplace, the employer may be responsible for not providing a safe working environment.
• Manufacturers: If the outbreak is linked to a defective water system component, the manufacturer could be responsible.

Pursuing a Claim in San Diego

Victims of Legionnaires’ disease in San Diego should act quickly to protect their rights. The first step is to seek medical attention and document the diagnosis and treatment. Next, contacting an attorney experienced in Legionnaires’ disease cases is crucial. They can help build a strong case by gathering evidence, such as maintenance records, inspection reports, and expert testimony.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California, including those related to Legionnaires’ disease, typically requires filing a lawsuit within two years of the date of exposure or discovery of the illness. Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering compensation.

We Can Help

If you or a loved one has contracted Legionnaires’ disease, we will thoroughly investigate your case and help you pursue justice. Arrange a free consultation with our trusted San Diego Legionnaires’ disease Attorney today by contacting The Lange Law Firm at (833) 330-3663 or messaging us online.