Hepatitis A Infection Lawyer

A Serious Liver Danger Caused by Foodborne Contamination

Hepatitis A is a contagious disease that is contracted through contamination with feces. It can be spread from one person to another, or it can be contracted from contaminated food or water.  In those cases where it is contracted through food or water, it is almost always the case that the person preparing the food is the one responsible for contaminating it. Often, the food handler may not be aware that he or she has Hepatitis A, because it is usually passed on during the first two weeks of the illness, before symptoms show.

Three out of every four people who contract Hepatitis A experience no symptoms. But for those who do experience symptoms, the medical effects can be very serious. The symptoms of Hepatitis A often appear within four weeks after infection, although sometimes the symptoms can show within two weeks. Among the most common symptoms are headaches and muscle aches, fever, weakness and fatigue, and abdominal pain and cramping.

After experiencing these symptoms for a few days, 70 percent of those with Hepatitis A develop jaundice, which causes a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and can cause dark urine and light, clay-colored feces. In most cases, the symptoms will subside after a couple of months, although some who are infected experience these symptoms for six months or more. In some cases, hepatitis A can lead to chronic liver disease, and even death.

Even in those cases where Hepatitis A isn’t life-threatening, it can have a significant negative impact on your life. Infection with hepatitis A can result in repeated trips to the doctor, resulting in high medical bills and a significant amount of missed work time.

If you suspect you have a hepatitis A infection, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, and ask your doctor to conduct all appropriate tests. If you believe your hepatitis A infection was caused by contaminated food or drink, you may be entitled to compensation for your illness. But because of the way hepatitis is spread, it will be necessary to track down and prove the source.

Hill Law Firm in San Antonio has experience taking on some of the largest companies in the United States in all sorts of food borne illnesses cases.  If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by food contamination, call us immediately.  It is important to move quickly to preserve evidence and your rights.