I live in the "Tide-Water" area of Virginia, about 1 hour North of Richmond. We have Copperheads, and various non-poisonous snakes in Essex County. In the Appalachians and surrounding counties, Rattlesnakes and Copperheads are abundant. I know a lot of folks that have been bitten; most suffer for a week or two with swollen flesh, nausea, etc.. On occasion, they can lose a limb, finger, or foot due the swelling and infection. The key to recovery is getting to the hospital quickly, and trying to keep the heart rate slow, and the victim calm.
My brother's friend died from a rattlesnake bite a few years back. He had purchased an old hunt cabin in the mountains, and was busy cleaning the place up with his friend. The evening before leaving, they rolled up the carpet from the floor, and let it sit outside for the night. The next morning, he stuck his arm up in the carpet to move it back in, and a rattlesnake was inside. Of course it bit him, but he continued to work; putting things away, before going to a hospital. His age, coupled with the added activity was too much for his heart, and he died within hours. Best to be overcautious when in remote areas, or when hiking or working off the beaten path. I now see my log piles, scrap piles, and saw dust heap with a different attitude. Look before you reach, is important to remember!