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Have you, or a loved one, been the victim of a hepatitis misdiagnosis by a doctor, oncologist, hospital or other healthcare provider? If so, and no matter the type, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and medical expenses. Our medical misdiagnosis attorneys at Shelsby & Leoni have decades of combined experience handling hepatitis misdiagnosis lawsuits in Delaware and Maryland, and can let you know if you are eligible to file a lawsuit. All you need to do is fill out this contact form, and we will take care of the rest.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis is a medical term meaning inflammation of the liver. Each year, there are significant numbers of hepatitis misdiagnosis cases reported, underscoring the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis to protect patient health.
If your doctor fails to accurately diagnose your hepatitis in a timely manner, you may be able to sue for medical negligence. Hepatitis can be more difficult to diagnose in patients with pre-existing health conditions, as these health conditions may complicate symptoms and outcomes.
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis encompasses several distinct diseases that target the liver, each caused by different viruses and presenting unique risks. The most prevalent forms are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Understanding the differences between these types of hepatitis is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious infection triggered by the hepatitis a virus (HAV). It is most commonly contracted through contaminated food or water, making it a significant concern in food poisoning cases and other foodborne illnesses. While not everyone experiences severe symptoms, hepatitis a can lead to acute liver failure in rare cases, especially among vulnerable populations. Health officials recommend the hepatitis a vaccine as an effective way to prevent infection and protect public health.
Hepatitis B is another serious liver disease, caused by the hepatitis b virus. It can be transmitted through close contact with infected bodily fluids, and unlike hepatitis a, it can develop into a chronic condition. Chronic hepatitis b increases the risk of liver cancer and liver failure, making early detection and treatment essential. Fortunately, the hepatitis b vaccine protects against this virus and is a key tool in disease control and prevention.
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact and often leads to chronic hepatitis, which can silently damage the liver over several years. If left untreated, hepatitis c can result in severe liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
How Does Hepatitis Cause Acute Liver Failure?
Left untreated, hepatitis can be life-threatening, as it can ultimately lead to liver failure. In addition to common symptoms like fatigue and jaundice, individuals may also experience dark urine and abdominal pain, which are important early warning signs of liver issues and complications. If you need a liver transplant, there is a large margin for error and a high risk of the body rejecting the transplant, which can also result in death. Hepatitis can also lead to cirrhosis of the liver and/or liver cancer.
Detection and Treatment of Hepatitis
Early detection of hepatitis is crucial in patients with liver cancer. Some hepatitis cases may be linked to vaccine injury, and individuals experiencing adverse effects or adverse reactions, such as severe allergic reactions or allergic reaction, may be eligible to file a vaccine injury claim. Rare adverse effects, including neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, have been reported following vaccination. Long-term hepatitis requires routine monitoring, including liver ultrasounds, to help determine if there is cancer present.
Should You Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney?
If your healthcare provider neglects to run the required diagnostic tests, and you suffer liver failure as a result, this can be deemed medical malpractice. You can take legal action against a negligent medical professional to fight to recover compensation for your current and future medical bills, as well as your loss of income and other damages. It is important to gather necessary documentation to support a vaccine injury claim or any other legal action.
At Shelsby & Leoni, we are experienced professionals who know how to handle hepatitis misdiagnosis lawsuits with the care and knowledge they require. We charge no fees if we are unable to obtain compensation for you, so reach out to us today and let’s get started.
