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Maritime Hepatitis A Virus

Whenever someone hears about getting sick at sea, they usually imagine sea sickness. A drowsy, nauseating feeling that comes from swaying back and forth. While this is probably the most common illness one can get on a boat besides maybe scurvy, it is by no means the only disease that someone could catch. People who work at sea or at oil rigs by the sea are prone to all sorts of terrifying diseases. Diseases that could not only be life altering, but fatal. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect those who work at sea.

ave you or someone you know contracted Hepatitis A and have worked at sea? Contact a maritime lawyer to discuss your legal options today.

Hepatitis A is a relatively uncommon condition these days because there are vaccinations and other treatments available to keep it under control. Still, it does happen often enough. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that over 1,670 cases of Hepatitis A were reported in a recent 12 month period. Though this condition is easy to treat, it has a variety of terrible effects such as:

• Jaundice
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Joint Pain
• Vomiting
• Stomach Pain

Hepatitis A is a disease that can survive for an extended period of time in contaminated waters. It can be obtained through an exposed cut or wound or it could even be inhaled through infected mist. Working at sea is dangerous enough what with the dangerous equipment and less than adequate working conditions that usually exist in those jobs. They should not have to go through illnesses either. It is important for these workers to know their rights.

Aside from the physical and emotional pain that can come with, Hepatitis A, treating it can be expensive, There are maritime laws that help protect sea workers from these kind of issues. Laws that ensure that those injured could receive compensation. But it is important to act quickly in these situations.

If you or someone you know has contracted Hepatitis A while working at sea or at an offshore site, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a maritime lawyer in your area today.