Hepatitis A Lawyer

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and results in severe liver disease and sickness.[1] It is a CDC-mandated reportable disease[2] that is only transmitted by primates, and unlike most pathogens, does not replicate outside the body.[3] A person usually becomes sick 15 to 50 days post-exposure (consumption) of food or beverage containing the HAV virus.[4] Along with infection comes inflammation of the liver, which is vital for removing harmful chemicals from the body, storing energy, fighting infection, and storing vitamins and nutrients.

Though anyone can contract Hepatitis A, it is most common among people who travel to developing countries, has unprotected sex with an infected individual, uses illegal drugs, provides childcare, or live with someone who is infected.[5] If you or somebody you love has contracted the viral infection, contact a qualified Hepatitis A lawyer as soon as you are able. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

How Is Hepatitis A Spread?

Unlike many diseases and illnesses, such as influenza or measles, you cannot get Hepatitis A by simply interacting with an infected person. This can happen in a number of ways including:

• Consuming food prepared by an infected person that recently used the bathroom but didn’t wash his or her hands with soap and water;[6]
• Drinking untreated water;[7]
• Coming into close contact with an infected person via sex or caring for someone who is ill; and
• Placing something that has been in contact with an infected person’s stool in your mouth.

Unlike Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A is temporary and rarely results in chronic liver disease, but if left untreated, acute liver failure could end in death.

Hepatitis A Risk Factors

Hepatitis A infections are generally contained in specific regions of the world. Developing countries and areas with poor sanitary conditions are more prone to it. Still, transmission can happen anywhere throughout the globe, as seen by food poisoning lawyer Ron Simon who has represented many people in two of the largest outbreaks of Hepatitis A in recent years, including outbreaks linked to Egyptian strawberries and Turkish pomegranate arils.

Here is a list of activities/locations that are considered Hepatitis A risk factors:[8]

• Travel outside the US or Western Europe as most other parts of the world have much higher rates of infection with HAV;
• Child care centers;
• Living with a person who is Hepatitis A positive;
• Sexual contact with a person who is Hepatitis A positive;
• HIV-positive persons are more susceptible to HAV;
• Homelessness can be an exposure mechanism;
• A clotting-factor disorder, such as hemophilia makes a person more susceptible to HAV;
• Any type of illegal drugs (not just those that are injected).

How is Hepatitis A Diagnosed?

Many people are diagnosed upon arrival at a hospital because the medical staff can see yellowing eyes or skin. This condition, called jaundice, is associated with a liver that is under attack. Medical staff will immediately order a hepatic function screen, or complete metabolic panel (CMP) to evaluate AST, ALT, and bilirubin levels.[9] A person with cute hepatitis will have extremely elevated liver function numbers. A hepatitis panel is usually run, looking for Hepatitis A, B, and C, among others.[10]

The easiest way to test for HAV is through a simple, and usually inexpensive, Hepatitis A screen.[11] The Hepatitis A test is a blood test that looks for the antigen in the blood – but there are two types, including ones that measure acute (IgM) and remote (IgG) exposure.[12] A positive IgG test shows a person has had HAV in the past, either an acute case of HAV or was vaccinated. A positive IgM test means the person has acute HAV (they are sick with it now or were very recently).[13] Hence, a “Total HAV” test that is positive (a person has either IgM or IgG) is inconclusive of current illnesses, but a specific finding if IgM establishes current (acute) HAV illness.

Hepatitis A Lawyers at Ron Simon & Associates Strongly Recommend Vaccination

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Hepatitis A has the tendency to appear in cyclic recurrences, resulting in sporadic and regional epidemics around the globe. Luckily, Hepatitis A is easily prevented by a vaccine, and younger Americans are routinely vaccinated, which has led to reductions in the number of victims every year in the U.S.[14] But they do still occur and the best way to prevent Hepatitis A (HAV) infection is to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for everyone older than 1 year of age and is highly encouraged for those traveling outside of the United States.[15] The Hepatitis A vaccine consists of two shots, which are given six months apart. There’s also a vaccine available for adults aged 18 or older, containing both the Hepatitis A and B vaccines.

There are many considerations when it comes to the Hepatitis A vaccination. At Ron Simon & Associates, our Hepatitis A attorneys encourage you to visit your healthcare advisor to discuss your situation and the options available to you. The following vaccination complications may occur:

• If you’ve previously had an allergic reaction to the Hepatitis A vaccine.
• If you’re severely allergic to a component of the Hepatitis A vaccine.
• If you’re pregnant, especially since the safety of the vaccine among pregnant women is unconfirmed.

Hepatitis A Food Poisoning Lawyers

Hepatitis A is caused by consuming contaminated food that affects the liver. Fever, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and anorexia are common symptoms of this illness. Abdominal discomfort is another vital symptom that prevails in severe cases. The treatment consists mainly of supportive care: rest and fluids. The recovery may be prolonged in chronic cases due to the chances of liver damage and persistent loss of gut function.

What is a Hepatitis A Lawyer?

A Hepatitis A lawyer is a legal expert that handles cases involving Hepatitis A infections. A Hepatitis A attorney is an expert in filing lawsuits on behalf of patients because of contaminated food consumption. The lawyer represents the patients in court and helps them secure compensation for the medical bills, treatment costs, medication, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

What does a Hepatitis A Attorney Do?

Hepatitis A attorney assists the patients of Hepatitis A in legal affairs. When a victim comes in contact with Hepatitis A, they can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties that caused the infection. A lawyer takes all the necessary measures to settle the claims and initiate a lawsuit process.

Can a Hepatitis A Lawyer Help?

Definitely yes. Knowing that the victim has solid ground to file a case is important. A Hepatitis A attorney helps the victims by offering legal remedies to the victims and sailing through the complex legal process. The attorney is skilled and experienced in protecting your legal rights and can fetch compensation.

Why Should You Hire a Hepatitis A Attorney?

Most law firms offer free consultations, which allow you to ask your lawyer questions and get informed of all your legal options. Your priority should be your health. After seeking the appropriate medical attention, consult a lawyer to determine if you have an eligible case. Hospital and doctor visits can be expensive and time-consuming. A lawsuit can provide you with your lost wages, financial needs, and medical expenses. Your lawyer will also handle the paperwork, ensuring you must only state if necessary. In case litigation is necessary, a Hepatitis A lawyer works on your behalf throughout the entire duration of the lawsuit.

How Much Does a Hepatitis A Lawyer Cost?

Various factors determine the cost a lawyer charges. It includes the years of experience, the track record of protecting the victims’ legal rights, and how big of an area they cover.

What Should You Look for In a Hepatitis A Attorney?

Consider the following factors while hiring a Hepatitis A lawyer:

1) A member of a relevant legal organization: Being an active member of a relevant organization shows they have experience with the types of cases you might face. Board certification is also important because they have been tested to ensure they are skilled in their field.

2) Experience: Look for a lawyer with 50 or more cases under their belt in the area of law you need assistance with. Their experience is relevant to how well they know the process and estimates how long it will take and how much it will cost.

3) Willingness to communicate: Many lawyers have a “bigger is better” approach when marketing themselves. While this can be good for business, it may not be so good for you if your case is small or time-sensitive. Ensure that your lawyer will listen to your needs and what you expect from them before deciding which one to hire.

4) A reliable and strong network: Having a strong network of professionals is very advantageous. This will help ensure that your case is handled most effectively so that you receive the greatest compensation possible.

Types of Claims Hepatitis A Lawyers Handle

• Personal Injury Lawsuits: These are lawsuits in which you claim that you have been injured by the negligence of another party. Some examples include slip and falls, medical malpractice cases, and car accidents.
• 2) Product Liability Lawsuits: This is when a product is defectively designed or manufactured and causes injury to its user.
• 3) Class Action Lawsuits: An auction where many people with similar complaints join together to create a strong case and maximize the outcome.
• 4) Negligence claims: These are for cases where an individual has been injured due to the negligence of another party. This may be personal, business or both.
• 5) Wrongful Death lawsuits: When a person dies as result of the actions or negligence of another person, they or their family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit against that party.
• Hepatitis A Settlement – the option to settle out of court. Many people will choose to settle out of court for various reasons. This means that you and your lawyer will negotiate with the defendant’s lawyers until an agreement is met. If you agree on the settlement, then it goes before a judge for approval. If approved, then you can either accept the offer or continue legal proceedings against the other party through trial if necessary.

What expenses can legal compensation cover?

Legal compensation can cover several expenses that you may have incurred during your case. These can include:

• Medical expenses. If you have been injured, then this is most likely going to require a great deal of medical care and treatment. The money awarded in legal compensation can help pay for your treatments and any medication that may be needed.
• Lost wages from work or time off. Legal compensation can also cover lost wages from work if it is determined that the injury kept you from being able to do the job you were doing before the accident happened or required that you take time off from work until your condition improves. In some cases, depending on the severity of the injuries, it may be deemed permanent and cause a complete change in an occupation which would mean loss of income regardless of how much time was spent away from work.
• Pain and suffering caused by the injury. These may or may not be covered by insurance, depending on the nature of your case. In some cases, it may require a separate settlement from any previous compensation awarded for this to be given as legal compensation.

How much can I expect to receive?

This varies significantly from case to case and state by state. Typically, damages will be determined by many factors such as:

• The severity of the injuries.
• How permanent those injuries are. If there is expected to be a complete recovery within a year or less then you can expect that the amount of damages will fall under a lower-end estimate. If the injuries are expected to last longer than one year (multiple years in some cases), then you can expect that the amount of compensation will be on the higher end.
• The effect that the injuries have had on your life. This can vary greatly depending on what you are doing before the accident happens, how much it disrupts your life and any other lifestyle changes or limitations that you experience because of these injuries.

When should you file a Hepatitis A claim?

It is best to file a Hepatitis A claim as soon as possible. There are statutes of limitations in place which may prevent you from filing any complaint once too much time has passed. The amount of time that you have will depend on the state and may be different for personal injury cases than it would be for a defective product liability case.

If you do not file your claim within the given timeframe, then it will usually be dismissed and you will no longer have legal recourse against those responsible for your injuries or those who distributed the contaminated product or food.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Hepatitis A Poisoning?

If you suspect Hepatitis A poisoning, you should immediately consult your doctor. They will be able to provide you with any treatment that is necessary, prescribe medications, and provide you with information regarding when you can go back to work, when you should return for follow-up visits and when your symptoms should improve.

National Hepatitis A Firm

If you are looking for a law firm to help represent you in filing a claim against those responsible for making you sick, use our secure online form here to get connected with one.

Seek medical attention

If you have a fever over 102 degrees, bloody stool, or other severe symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately.

Legal Assistance

If you are a victim of food poisoning caused by someone else’s negligence you may be entitled to financial compensation through a food poisoning lawsuit.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Hepatitis A Lawyer

Ron Simon & Associates is passionate about providing the latest news regarding poisoning outbreaks and litigation in the United States. We’ve helped thousands of clients across the nation recover over $700,000,000 in damages. People in over 180 countries have read our professionally published articles on Food Poisoning. The Hepatitis A attorneys at Ron Simon & Associates are recognized as among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States by the National Trial Lawyers Association.