Hepatitis C Infection and Medical Malpractice

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2014, an estimated 30,500 cases of acute hepatitis C virus infections were reported in the US. There are an estimated 2.7 to 3.9 million people who have chronic hepatitis C across the nation. The CDC also reports that roughly 75% to 85% of those infected with hepatitis C virus stand the chance to develop chronic infection.

Any person who undergoes a medical procedure that results in being infected with hepatitis C virus, or HCV, may be eligible to file a claim for hepatitis C. Because it is a virus, hepatitis C may stay dormant until it enters the body. It is classified under a virus category that affects the blood and liver. After it enters the body, symptoms are not produced instantly, but once the virus becomes active, it can spurn chronic liver disease. Eventually, the patient will succumb to liver failure, causing death.

How is Hepatitis C Transmitted?

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood that has been contaminated with the virus. In most cases, a transmission of hepatitis C occurs as a result of infected needles injected by medical personnel or drug users. Blood obtained through donations or infected organs can also cause hepatitis C in recipients.

Engaging in sexual intercourse or using an infected person's razor are other ways that the virus can be contracted. Unborn babies can get the virus from their mother as well. If strict cleaning and sterilization methods are not followed, hepatitis C can be contracted by patients in a clinical or hospital environment.

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis C

When infected with the HCV, the individual may not experience symptoms within 6 months of contracting the disease. However, there are some cases where the patient experiences symptoms before the initial 6-month period. During the acute phase of the symptom, there are a few common symptoms that may occur, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Flu-like symptoms
• Exhaustion
• Decreased appetite
• Jaundice

In some cases, those who suffer from hepatitis C eventually develop a chronic infection. A chronic hepatitis C infection occurs when fibrotic tissue growth is shown in a liver sample. There can be other complications with a chronic infection, such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. For the initial stage of hepatitis C, the standard treatment is antiviral medication.

However, it has been found that 50% of those affected are not responsive to early-stage treatments and go on to develop chronic hepatitis C.

A Law Firm that Cares

If you or a loved one has been infected with the hepatitis C virus due to the negligence of your doctor or any other medical professional, you should immediately seek the help of the qualified and reliable medical malpractice lawyers at the RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. You can get a free consultation to discuss the steps you need to take to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the party at fault.

Second place is for people who do not work hard enough. RMFW Law at 212-344-1000does not come into second place. We are winners and the legal system in this city knows this. Call is up about your case. The first meeting is free. We only take a percentage of the final verdict or settlement so in essence you never pay us anything.