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Published by Free Confidential Valley Fever Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one experienced serious respiratory complications, chronic pneumonia, or other severe health issues following exposure to Coccidioides fungus, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to Valley Fever resulting from negligent workplace practices or environmental exposures. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call our law firm by dialing (866) 588-0600.
Table Of Contents
- Valley Fever Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Valley Fever Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Valley Fever Injuries & Side Effects
- Valley Fever Cases on the Rise May Worsen due to Climate Change: NBS News Video
- Do You Qualify for a Valley Fever Lawsuit?
- Valley Fever Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Valley Fever Lawsuits
- Notable Valley Fever Settlements
- FAQs
- 1. How do I know if I have contracted Valley Fever?
- 2. What regions have the highest Valley Fever risk?
- 3. Can I file a lawsuit if I contracted Valley Fever at work?
- 4. How much compensation can I receive for a Valley Fever lawsuit?
- 5. What is the timeline for a Valley Fever lawsuit?
- 6. Who can be held liable for Valley Fever exposure?
- 7. What documentation do I need for a Valley Fever lawsuit?
- 8. Are class action lawsuits available for Valley Fever cases?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Valley Fever Lawsuit Overview
Valley Fever lawsuits center on allegations that government agencies, employers, and property owners failed to warn workers and residents about the risks associated with the Coccidioides fungus present in soil.
Over 20,000 Americans are infected yearly by this devastating fungal infection, with many victims seeking compensation for severe health issues and death.
The lawsuits primarily target employers and agencies who allegedly knew about the dangers but failed to implement adequate safety measures or provide proper warnings to those at risk.
Latest Valley Fever Lawsuit Updates
- July 2023 – A group of 17 current and former prisoners petitioned the US Supreme Court to direct the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to protect them from developing Valley Fever, requesting review of a previous Valley Fever lawsuit.
- June/July 2018 – Many inmates turned to a higher court for assistance in their Valley Fever cases against the state of California after contracting the disease while incarcerated in prisons.
- October 2014 – California reached a $12 million settlement with five construction workers who contracted Valley Fever while working on a construction site, after the jury found that Caltrans executives knew about and concealed fungal risks.
- 2008 – Caltrans independently contracted crew was moving earth and expanding a culvert in Kern County when they contracted Valley Fever.
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to available data:
- Case Increases: Valley Fever cases surged 400% from 1998 to 2019
- Economic Impact: Over $3.9 billion estimated economic impact
- Death Statistics: 200,000 cases are reported each year in the US
- High-Risk Occupations: Construction workers, agricultural workers, archaeology/geology workers, military personnel, and prison inmates face the highest risk
The FDA and CDC continue to monitor Valley Fever outbreaks, particularly as climate change may be contributing to increased incidence rates in endemic regions.
Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update
Valley Fever Injuries & Side Effects
Valley Fever can cause a wide range of serious health complications, from respiratory issues to systemic infections that can be fatal if left untreated.
- Fungal Pneumonia: Severe respiratory infection requiring hospitalization
- Fever: Persistent high temperature resistant to standard treatments
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing requiring medical intervention
- Headaches: Severe and persistent headaches
- Night Sweats: Excessive sweating during sleep
- Joint Pain: Debilitating pain in joints
- Skin Rashes: Visible skin manifestations
Disseminated Disease: Life-threatening spread of infection to other organs
Read Also: What to Expect During an Oilfield Accident Settlement
Valley Fever Cases on the Rise May Worsen due to Climate Change: NBS News Video
Do You Qualify for a Valley Fever Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Valley Fever lawsuit if:
- You were exposed to dust containing Coccidioides fungus between 1998-present
- You experienced serious Valley Fever symptoms requiring medical treatment
- Your exposure occurred at work, in prison, or on public property through environmental negligence
- You can document that the responsible party knew or should have known about the risks
- You have medical documentation linking your Valley Fever diagnosis to the exposure
Evidence Required for a Valley Fever Lawsuit
To build a strong case, you’ll need to provide:
- Medical records confirming Valley Fever diagnosis
- Employment records or documentation of presence at the exposure site
- Evidence showing the defendant’s knowledge of Valley Fever risks
- Expert testimony linking your illness to the specific exposure
- Documentation of all medical expenses and lost wages
Damages You Can Recover
Successful Valley Fever lawsuits may provide compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future treatment costs
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time away from work and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering: For physical and emotional distress
- Punitive Damages: In cases where defendants knowingly concealed risks
Related Article: Appalachian Basin Oil Rig Accident Litigation
Valley Fever Recall Information
While Valley Fever is a naturally occurring disease rather than a product defect, certain locations have been subject to work stoppages and mandatory safety implementations following outbreaks. Notable cases include:
- California prisons implementing mandatory dust control measures
- Construction sites in endemic regions requiring respiratory protection
- Military training grounds implementing dust mitigation protocols
Statute of Limitations for Valley Fever Lawsuits
Time limits for filing Valley Fever lawsuits vary by state:
- California: Individuals must file within two years from diagnosis or when the victim should have reasonably discovered the connection
- Arizona: Two years from diagnosis or reasonable discovery of the condition
- Texas: Two years from date of diagnosis or discovery
- Other States: Statutes of limitation vary by state; consulting with a qualified attorney is essential
Notable Valley Fever Settlements
1. Caltrans $12 Million Settlement
In October 2014, California reached a $12 million settlement with five construction workers—Elvis Huallpa, Mark Huallpa, Oscar Villanueva, Jose Hernandez, and Glenn Bugarin—who contracted Valley Fever while working on a construction site.
The lawsuit alleged that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) failed to warn them about the risks associated with the presence of the Coccidioides fungus in the soil. The jury found that Caltrans executives were aware of these risks and had concealed this information from the workers.
2. California Prisoners’ Class Action Lawsuit
For years, lawsuits have been piling up against the state of California, filed on behalf of inmates who contracted Valley Fever while incarcerated in prisons. Most plaintiffs have sought relief through the court system.
In 2011, the case rates in Pleasant Valley State Prison and Avenal State Prison were hundreds of times higher than the state average. Over the next decade, dozens of inmates in these penitentiaries died from Valley Fever according to the plaintiffs.
3. Federal Settlement for Taft Prison Inmate
In a landmark case, a former inmate of Taft Prison received a settlement after contracting Valley Fever while employed by the prison. The case established the federal government’s responsibility for inadequate protection of prisoners from environmental hazards.
4. $150,000 Settlement for Family of Deceased Inmate
In October 2014, a California federal court approved a $150,000 settlement for the estate of an inmate who died from Valley Fever complications. The case highlighted the severe consequences of inadequate protection against environmental exposure.
These settlements illustrate the serious implications of Valley Fever exposure and the legal precedents established for holding responsible parties accountable.
If you’ve been exposed to Valley Fever due to work conditions or incarceration, seeking legal advice regarding potential compensation may be crucial to secure justice for this dangerous fungal infection.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I have contracted Valley Fever?
Valley Fever is diagnosed through specific blood tests and chest X-rays that identify the Coccidioides fungus. Common symptoms include persistent cough, fever, chest pain, fatigue, and sometimes a distinctive rash. If you’ve been in an endemic area and experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
2. What regions have the highest Valley Fever risk?
Valley Fever is most common in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and California’s Central Valley. The fungus thrives in hot, dry soil and becomes airborne when the soil is disturbed through construction, natural disasters, or high winds.
3. Can I file a lawsuit if I contracted Valley Fever at work?
Yes. If your employer failed to provide adequate warnings or protective equipment in known Valley Fever endemic regions, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Many successful cases have established employer liability for Valley Fever exposures.
4. How much compensation can I receive for a Valley Fever lawsuit?
Compensation varies widely based on severity of illness, medical costs, lost wages, and defendant liability. Recent settlements have ranged from $150,000 for individual cases to $12 million for group settlements involving multiple victims with severe complications.
5. What is the timeline for a Valley Fever lawsuit?
The typical Valley Fever lawsuit process takes 1-3 years from initial consultation to settlement. More complex cases involving multiple plaintiffs or defendants may take longer to resolve.
6. Who can be held liable for Valley Fever exposure?
Potential defendants include employers who failed to protect workers, government agencies responsible for public safety, prison systems, construction companies, and property owners who knew about but failed to mitigate Valley Fever risks.
7. What documentation do I need for a Valley Fever lawsuit?
Comprehensive medical records documenting your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are essential. Employment records, evidence of exposure location, expert testimony linking your illness to specific exposure, and documentation of all damages are also crucial.
8. Are class action lawsuits available for Valley Fever cases?
Yes. Several class action lawsuits have been successfully pursued, particularly by prison inmates and construction workers exposed to Valley Fever in California. These collective actions have helped establish precedent for institutional liability.
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See all related personal injury and accident lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Valley Fever exposure. With statutes of limitation as short as two years from diagnosis or discovery, victims must act quickly to preserve their legal rights.
Schmidt & Clark offers:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Extensive experience with environmental exposure and workplace safety cases