Hepatitis C Virus

Close to four million people in the United States are infected with the hepatitis C virus, and as many as ten thousand die from the infection every year. Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes liver inflammation that, in the majority of cases, leads to chronic, long-term infection and permanent liver damage. This liver damage can include cirrhosis, cancer, and end-stage liver disease.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C Virus

Common symptoms of those infected with hepatitis C include:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice
• Urine dark color

Possible Causes of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with infected blood. One of the most common modes of transmission is through shared needles used to inject illegal drugs however  hepatitis C can also be transmitted by accidental needle stick injuries or use of tainted / contaminated vials and syringes by medical professionals.

Tainted blood transfusions and blood products at one time were one of the primary modes of HCV transmission. Prior to 1990, the blood products manufactured in the United States to treat people with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia were almost universally tainted with the hepatitis C virus. As a result, close to one hundred percent of the bleeding disorder community that used these products prior to 1990 was contaminated with HCV.

Hepatitis C Lawyers

Bleeding disorder patients and others who have been infected with hepatitis c through the negligence or wrongdoing may be able to seek compensation for their damages through the legal system by filing a lawsuit. Contact an experienced lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.

Learn about other types of infections.