A hepatitis c lawsuit can be filed by someone who undergoes a medical procedure, and as a result is infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). As this is a virus, it is possible to remain dormant outside of the body until it enters a human being. The hepatitis C virus belongs to a categories of viruses that affect the blood and liver. Even when it enters the human body it does not produce symptoms immediately. When it is activated, it can produce chronic liver disease. As a result the person eventually dies of liver failure.
Transmission of hepatitis C is through contamination with blood that is infected with the virus. Transmission of hepatitis C mainly occurs when infected needles are used either by medical personnel or by drug users. Infection can also be obtained by receiving donated blood or organs. Pregnant women can also transmit infection to their unborn babies. Other forms of transmission include sexual intercouse or using an infected person's razor. Therefore, in a hospital environment it is possible to see how someone can become infected if strict cleaning and sterilization is not properly carried out.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Once someone is infected with hepatitis C, they may or may not develop symptoms within the first six months of the disease. The most common symptoms during this acute phase of the infection include:
- Jaundice
- Pain In Abdomen
- Reduced Appetite
- Tiredness
- Other flu-like symptoms
Some people go on to develop a chronic infection for hepatitis C. When a sample of the liver is taken, the chronic infection is shown as a growth of fibrotic tissue inside the liver. This can lead to other complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. The treatment of hepatitis C when started early is antiviral medication, but at least fifty percent of people infected will not respond to treatment and develop chronic hepatitis C.
If You Have Been Infected
If you have been infected, you might be experiencing shock and hurt after hearing the news. The first thing you can do is consult your attorney to file a hepatitis C lawsuit for any damages, and to pay for your medical bills. These lawsuits are not common but have occurred in instances where someone received contaminated blood that was not properly checked for a hepatitis C infection. Another reason for filing a lawsuit is in the case of undergoing a medical procedure such as a colonoscopy and being infected by improperly cleaned equipment. In some instances, an infected needle or vial can be used to draw blood between more than one person, and in this way the virus is transmitted. These only examples of ways someone can become infected, and it is advised to quickly consult an attorney regarding your options.
