Nationwide Hepatitis B Claim Lawyer
We Fight for Justice on Behalf of Clients Who Have Been Victimized
A common cause of Hepatitis B (HBV) is through sexual contact. HBV is a condition of the liver that can be life-threatening. There is a vaccine for HBV, which has helped prevent the spread of the disease, however unvaccinated men with HBV can spread it to their sexual partners. Someone who negligently fails to inform their sexual partner can be held liable for substantial financial damages.
KMD Law is one of the few law firms in Los Angeles with experience in handling Hepatitis B negligence claims. We represent people who have received sexually transmitted diseases from partners who never informed them. Proving these cases can be difficult, but our lawyer knows where to start investigating and how to build a compelling legal strategy.
If you have been diagnosed with HBV and suspect that a sexual partner is responsible, call (833) 456-3529 today for a free consultation.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can cause both acute and chronic disease and poses a significant health risk worldwide.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Common modes of transmission include:
- Mother to child during childbirth
- Sexual contact with an infected person
- Sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment
- Tattoos and piercings with unsterilized tools
- Direct contact with blood or open sores of an infected person
There are two main forms of HBV: Acute Hepatitis B and Chronic Hepatitis B. Acute Hepatitis B is short-term and occurs within the first 6 months after exposure. Some individuals are able to clear the virus from their bodies and recover completely. Treatment generally focuses on supportive care to relieve symptoms, as the infection often resolves on its own.
If the virus remains in the body for more than 6 months, the infection becomes chronic. This can lead to serious health issues such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. Antiviral medications can help reduce the risk of liver disease and prevent the virus from replicating. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
How Do I Know If I Have HBV?
HBV does not usually present symptoms in the early stages, although there are cases of acute HBV that manifest immediate symptoms that last for several weeks. Although rare, acute hepatitis can sometimes lead to liver failure, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. Sometimes, HBV can become a chronic condition that will eventually turn into cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Symptoms of HBV include:
- Light-colored stool
- Yellowing of the eyes and/or skin (jaundice)
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic fatigue
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor to confirm a diagnosis. Even if you have not had intercourse for several months, it is possible that your version of HBV may be an STD.
Can I Sue Someone for Giving Me HBV?
Yes, you can potentially sue someone who gives you hepatitis B if it can be proven that the person knowingly and negligently or intentionally transmitted the virus to you. To succeed in such a lawsuit, you would generally need to demonstrate that the individual was aware of their infection, failed to take reasonable steps to prevent transmission, and that this directly resulted in your contracting the disease.
Legal actions may involve claims of negligence, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress. Consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in communicable disease cases can provide you with specific guidance based on the details of your situation and the laws in your jurisdiction.
Proving Liability in STD Lawsuits
Even if your partner was unaware they had HBV, you may still be able to hold them liable for damages if it can be proved that they had a reasonable duty to get tested and prevent the transmission of the disease. Our Los Angeles hepatitis claim attorneys fights on behalf of clients who unknowingly had sexual relations with someone who has an STD. We understand how these cases are built and the evidence needed to prove your claim. These are unfair situations, and you deserve to have someone on your side who can help you hold the appropriate people accountable.
Call (833) 456-3529 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at KMD Law. We serve victims throughout Southern California.