Nationwide HPV Cancer Attorney
Has Someone Knowingly Transmitted HPV to You?
HPV, also known as the human papillomavirus, is an extremely common sexually transmitted disease. You may also know it as genital warts. While HPV is often harmless and will go away on its own, there are more serious strains that can lead to cervical cancer.
Unfortunately, the fact that HPV is often harmless means some people will be more likely to withhold the fact that they have it from their sexual partners. HPV does not usually have serious consequences for men, but it can be life-threatening for women.
If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer linked to HPV, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Our dedicated cervical cancer claim lawyer in Los Angeles can fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and other damages.
For more information, call KMD Law today at (833) 456-3529 and schedule a free consultation.
What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
In many cases, HPV will go away on its own. Some people will not even realize they have it. However, in situations where HPV leads to something more serious, you need to be on the lookout for symptoms, including:
- Pain during intercourse
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Light bleeding between periods
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after menopause
- Pelvic and/or back pain
- Bleeding after intercourse
These symptoms do not usually appear until the cancer is in the later stages, making it more difficult for people to receive early treatment. This is why people who knowingly spread HPV without telling their partners need to be held accountable.
How Does HPV Develop into Cervical Cancer?
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that is extremely common; most sexually active individuals will contract it at some point in their lives. The connection between HPV and cervical cancer is primarily associated with high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18. These high-risk types cause persistent infections that can lead to cellular changes in the cervix, ultimately resulting in cancer.
The development of cervical cancer begins when high-risk HPV infects the epithelial cells of the cervix. The virus can integrate its DNA into the host cell's genome, disrupting the normal function of cell cycle regulation. This integration results in the overexpression of viral oncoproteins E6 and E7, which inactivate tumor suppressor proteins like p53 and Rb (retinoblastoma protein). These proteins play crucial roles in controlling cell growth and apoptosis. By disabling these regulatory mechanisms, HPV allows for uncontrolled cell division and the accumulation of genetic mutations.
As the infected cells continue to proliferate abnormally, they can form precancerous lesions known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN is graded on a scale of 1 to 3, with CIN1 indicating mild dysplasia and CIN3 indicating severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ. While many CIN1 lesions regress spontaneously, higher-grade lesions (CIN2 and CIN3) are more likely to persist and progress to invasive cervical cancer if left untreated. Regular screening through Pap smears and HPV testing can detect these precancerous changes early, allowing for intervention before they develop into cancer.
The progression from HPV infection to cervical cancer is typically slow, often taking 10 to 20 years. This extended period provides a window of opportunity for early detection and treatment. Preventive measures, such as the HPV vaccine, have significantly reduced the incidence of high-risk HPV infections and, consequently, cervical cancer rates. The vaccine is most effective when administered before individuals become sexually active, highlighting the importance of vaccination programs targeting preadolescents. By interrupting the transmission of high-risk HPV types, the vaccine helps to break the chain of events leading to cervical cancer.
Can You Sue Someone for Giving You HPV?
Suing someone for giving you HPV that caused cervical cancer can be complex and challenging. To successfully pursue such a lawsuit, you would typically need to prove that the person knew they were infected with HPV and knowingly or recklessly transmitted it to you without informing you. This requires demonstrating intentional or negligent behavior, which can be difficult to establish given that many people with HPV are unaware they carry the virus. Additionally, proving causation—that their specific infection directly led to your cervical cancer—adds another layer of complexity.
Legal standards and the possibility of success can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case. Consulting with a legal professional who specializes in personal injury or sexual health cases would be essential to explore the viability of such a claim.
We Fight for the Justice Our Clients Deserve
Cervical cancer is a life-changing diagnosis, and anyone who transmits HPV to their partners is putting them at risk. At KMD Law, we don’t let these situations stand. By filing a legal claim, you can receive compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
You have enough to handle without worrying about the details of a lawsuit, which is why we handle the investigation and strategy behind your case. Clients are kept up-to-date about their case every step of the way and have the final say in all important decisions. We focus on the legal aspects so you can concentrate on your medical needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a proven cervical cancer claim attorney in Los Angeles.
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