Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lawyer

Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lawyer

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (or “IBS”) is one of the more commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders. But within the larger population of those diagnosed with IBS, one subgroup suffers the sudden onset of IBS symptoms following an acute case of gastroenteritis, usually caused by such bacteria as salmonella or E. coli, but on occasion appearing after an infection with a parasite like Cyclospora, or viral gastroenteritis caused by something like norovirus.[i] The onset of IBS after these food borne illness in called post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS). [ii] They are relatively rare, happening to only one-in-twenty of the victims of food poisoning.

The Health Care Costs of Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome

PI-IBS is often missed when people bring a food poisoning claim, and this error can be costly. PI-IBS can be much worse than the initial illness and have life-long consequences. In the U.S. more than $25 billion is spent on managing patients with IBS through direct costs of health care and indirect costs of absenteeism from work.[iii] Patients with IBS have 3 times the rate of missing work than persons without IBS as they have long periods of disability.[iv] The level of productivity in patients with IBS averages 35% less compared with people without IBS.[v]

In addition, Patients with IBS make a significantly greater number of healthcare visits each year compared with non-IBS patients.[vi] A number of studies have looked at the annual cost of care of patients with the diarrhea form of IBS (IBS-D). In a study of managed care costs, IBS compared with non-IBS controls increased annual medical costs by 49%.[vii]

In fact, Patients with IBS incurred an average direct cost of $5,049 and $406 out of pocket expenses in 2007.[viii] A more recent study summarizes data from 35 studies of the cost of IBS and found that the direct medical costs for the disease ranged from $1,562 to $7547 per year with indirect costs ranging from $791 to $7,737 per year. [ix]

About Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome

According to Robin Spiller, MD, Professor of Gastroenterology, PI-IBS was first identified following World War II when soldiers who had developed IBS-like symptoms were returning from the war where they has acquired bacterial dysentery. Since then, a great deal of research has focused on IBS and PI-IBS.

1. The most common forms of diarrhea leading to PI-IBS are inflammatory bacterial diarrhea, such as food borne bacteria like Salmonella[x] or E. coli that result in chronic intestinal inflammation.
2. IBS is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms and the Rome criteria for IBS.[xi]
3. Most PI-IBS victims, prior to the onset of gastrointestinal illness, have a completely negative history of gastrointestinal disease, allowing medical professionals to rule out pre-existent functional bowel disease.
4. The timing of the initial onset of gastrointestinal illness infection and subsequent IBS is strong evidence of causation. To prove that an initial onset of gastrointestinal illness is the cause of PI-IBS, the PI-IBS should develop within six months after the initial infection.

According to most studies, victims of PI-IBS are still symptomatic many years after their initial presentation, with evidence that the median duration for idiopathic IBS patients, and PI-IBS patients, is greater than 12 years.

What is the Prospect for Recovery in PI-IBS? Medications and Recovery Time

Studies indicate that about 50% of patients with PI-IBS will eventually recover with no specific treatment, though this may take some years. The coexistence of severe untreated anxiety or depression may reduce chances for recovery. For those who are treated, two of the newer available medications currently approved for treatment include rifaximin and eluxadoline, both being expensive medications.[xii] As an example, IBS therapy with rifaximin usually includes 550 mg three times a day for two weeks or more weeks[xiii] – a total of 42 tablets is needed for two weeks at a wholesale cost of between $1,000 and $2,000.

Studies have shown that a majority of PI-IBS patients are still affected by IBS at the time point when the follow-up occurred: 5 years[xiv], 6 years [xv]or 8 years 19 [xvi]from their initial presentation. In additionin a large medical clinic population of IBS patients, one study found the median duration for idiopathic IBS patients was 12.7 years, and for PI-IBS patients the median length of time the patients were suffering from IBS was a near identical 12.5 years.[xvii]

For more information about post-infectious IBS, or to speak to a post-infectious IBS lawyer, call 1-888-219-9947.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome food poisoning Lawyer

An irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) food poisoning lawyer is an attorney with specialization in representing patients of IBS because of food poisoning. IBS is a chronic health ailment that can cause number of gastrointestinal symptoms, and can importantly impact the overall quality of life of the patient.

If you developed the symptoms of food poisoning, an IBS food poisoning lawyer can fight for your legal rights and explore you more options. The lawyer investigates the root cause of the infection, collect the evidences, and negotiate with the insurance companies and other responsible parties on your behalf.

The IBS lawyer can help you by representing your case to get compensation for your health issues. It is essential to connect with an IBS food poisoning lawyer who has expertise and skills to navigate you the legal system and fight for your legal rights.

What is an irritable bowel syndrome lawyer?

A lawyer with specialization in representing individuals suffering from IBS because of the food poisoning, medical malpractice, or workplace exposure to toxins is an IBS lawyer.

These attorneys are experts in medico-legal practices in IBS cases, and can help the clients seek compensation for their illness. They investigate the cause of the IBS infection, collect evidence, and deal with the insurance companies and other parties on behalf of the clients.

An IBS lawyer can also present your case in court (if needed) and provide legal assistance and guidance throughout the process. It is important to hire an IBS lawyer who is skilled and expert in the area to navigate the legal process and fight for the rights of the victims.

What does an Irritable Bowel Syndrome Attorney Do?

An Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) attorney is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have developed IBS as a result of various causes, such as food poisoning, medical malpractice, or workplace exposure to toxins. Here are some of the key responsibilities of an IBS attorney:

1. Investigating the cause of the IBS: Attorneys will work with medical experts and other professionals to determine the cause of the IBS, including the source of any infection or exposure to toxins.
2. Building a case: Attorneys will gather evidence to build a strong case, including medical records, witness statements, and other relevant information.
3. Negotiating with insurance companies: Attorneys will work to negotiate a settlement with insurance companies and other parties involved in the case.
4. Representing clients in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, attorneys will represent their clients in court to seek compensation for their illness.
5. Providing legal advice: Attorneys will provide their clients with legal advice and guidance throughout the process, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they understand their options.

Overall, IBS attorneys play a critical role in helping individuals who have developed IBS seek compensation for their illness. If you believe that you have developed IBS as a result of food poisoning, medical malpractice, or workplace exposure to toxins, speaking with an IBS attorney may be helpful in understanding your legal options and pursuing compensation.

Can an Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lawyer Help?

Yes, if you have developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) due to food poisoning, medical malpractice, or exposure to toxins at work, an IBS lawyer can provide valuable legal assistance. These lawyers have specialized knowledge and experience in IBS cases and can investigate the cause of your IBS, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court. They can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of receiving compensation for your illness. If you are suffering from IBS and believe it is linked to one of these causes, contacting an IBS lawyer can be a crucial step in seeking justice and compensation.

Why Should You Hire an Irritable Bowel Syndrome Attorney?

If you or a loved one is suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hiring an Irritable Bowel Syndrome attorney can be incredibly beneficial. An experienced Irritable Bowel Syndrome attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system, understand your rights, and advocate for your best interests.

IBS can be a debilitating condition that affects your quality of life and ability to work. It can also result in significant medical expenses and lost wages. An Irritable Bowel Syndrome attorney can help you seek compensation for these damages and hold those responsible accountable.

Additionally, an IBS attorney can help you understand your legal options, including filing a lawsuit or negotiating a settlement. They can also help you gather evidence and build a strong case to maximize your chances of success.

Overall, hiring an IBS attorney can provide you with the support and resources you need to protect your rights and pursue justice.