Don’t Let Legionnaires’ Disease Destroy Your Life or the Life of a Loved One
If you or a member of your family has contracted Legionnaires’ disease, it is crucial that you hire the right Legionnaires’ attorney if you want to recover maximum compensation
Riley Ersoff partner and attorney Victoria L. Ersoff has handled over 2,000 Legionnaires’ claims in California and across the United States. Victoria’s detailed knowledge of the cause and effect of Legionnaires’ disease and her experience in successfully litigating these extremely complex cases is unmatched.
Victoria and the team of lawyers at Riley Ersoff have over 100 years of experience as trial attorneys and know the area of toxic torts like the backs of their hands. No one can fight for your rights like the attorneys at Riley Ersoff.
To schedule a free initial case consultation, call (888) 658-9695. Our Los Angeles Legionnaires’ disease attorneys want to help.
The symptoms of this potentially deadly disease can include:
Fever
Cough
Chills
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Headaches
Gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Muscle aches
Confusion
Although Legionnaires’ disease can be treated with antibiotics, unfortunately, each year between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease, and about 15 out of every 100 people die from it. For victims who contract Legionnaires’ disease during a healthcare facility stay, approximately 1 out of every 4 pass away.
Anyone is at risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease; however, certain people are particularly at risk, including the following:
People 50 years and older
Current or former smokers
People with cancer
People with weakened immune systems
People with a chronic lung disease, such as emphysema or COPD
People with underlying diseases, such as kidney failure, liver failure, or diabetes
If you believe you were exposed to Legionella and develop symptoms, contact your local health department so they can investigate. Be sure to tell them whether you spent any nights away from home in the last 14 days.
Common Outbreaks & Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease
Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease often occur at hotels, hospitals, cruise ships, assisted living centers, apartments, and other buildings. Likely sources of the bacteria have included water used for showering, sinks, air conditioning systems, decorative fountains, and hot tubs.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, there are several things that you need to do to protect your rights. You should immediately contact your local and state public health department, since Legionnaires’ disease is a reportable illness. Make sure that you report any nights you stayed away from home in the two weeks before your symptoms started.
You should prepare a detailed log of all locations you visited and all activities you participated in the two weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. This will help pinpoint and eliminate potential water sources. You should also prepare a detailed timeline of all of the symptoms that you experienced, including when each symptom started.
Once the source of your Legionnaires’ disease has been determined, testing of the water supply needs to be performed. Most local health departments will only perform an investigation, including testing, when there are two reported cases. If the health department refuses to perform an investigation, including testing, then it is important that you make arrangements for someone to perform this testing on your behalf.
The LA Legionnaires’ disease lawyers at Riley Ersoff want to protect you and your family. Call (888) 658-9695 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
Occupational Health & Safety Recommendations Regarding Legionnaires’ Disease
To protect against Legionnaires’ disease in occupational settings, you can take the following health and safety measures:
Risk assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential sources of Legionella bacteria, such as cooling towers, hot water systems, or misting equipment.
Water management plan: Develop and implement a comprehensive water management plan to control Legionella growth. This plan should include regular monitoring, maintenance, and cleaning of water systems.
Temperature control: Maintain appropriate temperatures in water systems to inhibit Legionella growth. Hot water should be stored and distributed above 60°C (140°F) and cold water below 20°C (68°F).
Disinfection procedures: Implement appropriate disinfection procedures, such as chlorination, to control Legionella in water systems. Follow manufacturer guidelines and applicable regulations for the proper use of disinfectants.
Training and education: Train workers on the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease, the importance of following safety protocols, and how to recognize and report potential hazards or symptoms.
Monitoring and testing: Regularly monitor and test water systems for Legionella bacteria. This includes collecting samples, analyzing them in a laboratory, and taking necessary corrective actions if contamination is detected.
Remember that specific occupational health and safety measures may vary depending on the nature of the workplace and the applicable regulations in your region. It’s crucial to consult with local authorities and experts to implement the most effective strategies for Legionnaires’ disease prevention in your specific occupational setting.
Role of Insurance in a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit
Property owners and businesses are typically required to carry insurance policies that cover various risks, including liability for injuries sustained on their premises. This insurance can play a crucial role in compensating victims of Legionnaires’ disease.
If a property owner or business is found to be negligent in maintaining their water systems and preventing Legionella bacteria growth, their insurance policy may cover the damages awarded to the victims. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
However, insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts or deny claims altogether.
That’s where we come in. At Riley Ersoff, we have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and fighting for the rights of our clients. We know how to get full compensation for your injuries and are prepared to put our decades of experience to work in your favor.
Damages in a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit
If you contracted Legionnaires’ disease due to negligence, you deserve compensation for your suffering.
Damages in a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit can include:
Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs related to your illness.
Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to your illness and inability to work.
Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain caused by the disease.
Permanent disabilities: Compensation for any long-term health problems resulting from Legionnaires’ disease.
Wrongful death: If a loved one dies from Legionnaires’ disease, their family may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Punitive damages: In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the negligent party.
At Riley Ersoff, we understand the devastating impact of Legionnaires’ disease. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Steps in a Los Angeles Legionnaires’ Disease Case
At Riley Ersoff, we understand that navigating the legal process can be daunting, especially when you’re dealing with the aftermath of a Legionnaires’ disease diagnosis.
Here’s a clear outline of what you can expect when you work with us:
Free consultation: We begin with a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation to determine the source of the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak and identify the responsible parties. This may involve reviewing medical records, inspecting the property where you were exposed, and consulting with experts.
Demand letter: We send a demand letter to the responsible parties, outlining your claims and demanding compensation for your injuries.
Negotiation: We negotiate with the responsible parties and their insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.
Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.
We handle all aspects of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact an L.A. Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer Today
It is critical that you contact a lawyer experienced in handling Legionnaires’ disease claims as soon as possible to discuss your case and to determine if immediate action needs to be taken to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
