Legionnaires’ disease can strike without warning, and the consequences can be severe. Many people who contract the disease require hospitalization and face the possibility of long-term respiratory damage and, in the worst cases, death.
If you or someone you love contracted Legionnaires’ disease in Myrtle Beach or elsewhere in South Carolina, you could be entitled to compensation.
The attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have been fighting for South Carolina injury victims for more than 50 years. We are ready to fight for you now.
Contact our Myrtle Beach Legionnaires’ disease attorneys now to learn more about how we can help in a free consultation.
How Our Experienced Lawyers Can Help with Legionnaires’ Disease Legal Cases in Myrtle Beach
A Legionnaires’ disease case is different from a typical personal injury claim in many ways. Legionnaires’ disease cases require thorough investigations into water systems, maintenance records, and the actions or inaction of property owners and managers. Our lawyers know how to build Legionnaires’ disease cases from the ground up.
At Jebaily Law Firm, we bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience to every case we take on. From our offices in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Florence, we serve clients throughout the Grand Strand and beyond.
When you come to us for help, we work directly with you as a team, listen carefully to your story, and use every resource at our disposal to pursue the outcome you deserve. Throughout your case, you can also expect personal communication and strong advocacy from lawyers who care about right and wrong.
Can You Sue for Negligence After Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, in many cases, you can. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which grow and spread through poorly maintained water systems. If a property owner, business, or facility manager fails to maintain water systems properly and someone gets sick as a result, their negligence could form the basis of a personal injury lawsuit.
To bring a successful Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit, you will generally need to show three key things:
- A responsible party had a duty to maintain a safe water system.
- The party failed to uphold its duty.
- The failure caused your illness and resulting losses.
Our Legionnaires’ disease lawyers can review the facts of your situation and tell you honestly whether you have a viable claim.
Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuits: Compensation for Victims and Families
A serious case of Legionnaires’ disease can upend your life in ways that go far beyond the initial illness. You may face extended hospital stays, intensive care needs, and a long road to recovery, if full recovery is even possible.
In some cases, families who lose loved ones to Legionnaires’ disease may also have grounds for wrongful death claims.
If you bring a successful Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills for past and future medical treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death-related losses, such as funeral and burial costs
Every case is different, and the compensation available to you will depend on the specific facts of your unique situation. Our attorneys are prepared to work tirelessly to pursue the full measure of justice your situation demands.
Legal Benefits of Filing a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit in South Carolina
The possibility of recovering fair compensation is an important part of filing a Legionnaires’ disease claim, but it is not the only reason to pursue one.
At Jebaily Law Firm, we firmly believe in accountability. When a property owner or business cuts corners on water system maintenance, they put everyone who uses that system at risk. A lawsuit can hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence and send a clear message that such carelessness has consequences.
Legal action can also compel property owners and facilities to fix dangerous water systems, thereby protecting other guests, residents, workers, and visitors from future exposure. South Carolina communities deserve safe spaces, and our firm has spent more than 50 years working to make that a reality.
Who May Be Accountable for Legionnaires’ Disease Exposure in Myrtle Beach?
Legionella bacteria can thrive in a variety of water systems without proper maintenance and monitoring. Some examples of parties who could bear legal responsibility for a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak include:
- Hotels and resorts
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Cruise ships and cruise lines
- Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Property management companies
- Building owners and landlords
- Government-operated facilities
- Cooling tower operators
How Long Can a Legionnaires’ Disease Compensation Case Last?
The time it takes to resolve a Legionnaires’ disease case varies widely. Some cases settle relatively quickly once liability is clear. Others, particularly those involving multiple defendants, complex investigations, or causation disputes, can take considerably longer.
South Carolina law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The filing window can be shorter than you might expect, depending on who you are suing and the specifics of your case. Do not wait to find out whether your claim is still viable. Contact our Legionnaires’ disease lawyers as soon as possible so we can start protecting your right to recover.
Early Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of severe pneumonia caused by bacterial contamination. Its symptoms can worsen quickly and can be life-threatening for individuals with weak immune systems. Common signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
- High fever and chills
- Cough, which may produce mucus and blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Confusion and altered mental state
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
It is critical to seek help from a healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease. Medical professionals can diagnose and treat Legionnaires’ disease and alert public health officials.
Legionella bacteria grow and spread through large plumbing systems that are not properly maintained. Some examples of potential Legionella bacteria sources and causes of Legionnaires’ disease include:
- Hotel and resort hot tubs, pools, and indoor spas
- Cooling systems in large buildings
- Hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, and other healthcare facility water systems
- Decorative fountains
- Water heaters and hot water tanks
- Aging plumbing systems in large buildings
- Public drinking fountains
- Cruise ship water systems
- Grocery store mist machines
Contact Our Legionnaires’ Disease Attorneys in Myrtle Beach Today
If you developed Legionnaires’ disease and suspect that someone else’s negligence is to blame, do not face your next steps alone. The attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have dedicated more than 50 years to fighting for South Carolina injury victims. We are eager to apply our experience and resources to your case. We can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Reach out to our Legionnaires’ disease lawyers near you to arrange your free consultation today.