Illinois Hepatitis A Food Poisoning Lawyers

Foodborne Illness Attorneys for Infected Clients Throughout Chicago

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that causes a liver infection that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It frequently spreads due to the ingestion of contaminated foods or liquids tainted by a small amount of stool from an infected person. While Hepatitis A cases have decreased by more than 95 percent since the first vaccine became available in 1995, around 4,000 instances occur in the United States each year.

If you have been sickened by Hepatitis A food poisoning, Newland & Newland, LLP will fight for the financial award you need to pay for medical bills and lost work, along with compensation for pain and suffering.

Past judgments and settlements include $120,000 for a client who suffered an aggravation of celiac disease due to food poisoning.

Hepatitis A Symptoms

The effects of Hepatitis A infection can develop anywhere from two to seven weeks after initial exposure. Symptoms may include:

• Tiredness; 
• Fever;
• Nausea and loss of appetite;
• Abdominal pain;
• Vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Dark urine;
• Joint discomfort; and
• Jaundice (in older children and adults).

Symptoms of Hepatitis A typically last less than two months, but up to 15 percent of infected persons experience them for as long as six months. Children age 6 and younger usually do not display symptoms.

If you have any combination of these symptoms for longer than three days, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Hepatitis A Treatment

The best method of prevention is to get the Hepatitis A vaccination, along with vigorous washing of hands after using the restroom or changing diapers, and before food preparation or eating. The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children older than 12 months and travelers to international destinations where an increased risk of contraction exists.

If a doctor diagnoses you with Hepatitis A infection, they will likely suggest increased fluids and rest. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Causes of Hepatitis A 

Hepatitis A sources include:

• Raw or undercooked shellfish from tainted waters;
• Raw fruits and vegetables;
• Uncooked foods; and
• Cooked foods not reheated after contact with an infected person.

Sources for recent wide-scale Hepatitis A food poisoning outbreaks have included frozen strawberries, raw scallops, and pomegranate seeds. Other than food-based causes, Hepatitis A often spreads through the sharing needles for illicit drug use or contact with homeless or incarcerated persons.

Contact an Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney

If you believe a Hepatitis A infection contracted by you or a loved one originated at a restaurant, cruise ship, nursing home, grocery store, or any food service operation, Newland & Newland, LLP is ready to fight for your rights as a food poisoning victim. We will relentlessly pursue the compensation you and your family deserve. We believe negligent parties should be held accountable, in an effort to keep others from being infected due to unsanitary food preparation. For a free initial consultation with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer, contact us by calling 312-981-0409. We have five convenient Chicago area locations to serve you, including Arlington Heights, Libertyville, Chicago, and Itasca.