If you or a loved one has been harmed or has suffered because of a routine, everyday vaccine that was supposed to help rather than harm, you may be eligible to file a vaccine injury claim. Vaccinations that are supposed to prevent debilitating diseases and conditions should not cause harm. By filing a claim, we can all do our part to ensure vaccine manufacturers create safer formulas.
If you’re considering filing a claim, you may understandably have questions regarding the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and how it works exactly. Unlike most lawsuits, vaccine injury lawsuits are handled completely through this program.
Here are some questions our Milwaukee, WI vaccine injury lawyers commonly receive at Urban & Taylor, S.C. regarding the program and how vaccine claims work:
Q: Which Vaccines are Covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?
A: Vaccines that are covered by the United States Court of Federal Claims include the following:
- Diphtheria and Tetanus vaccines (e.g., DTaP, DTP, DT, Td, or TT)
- Pertussis vaccines (e.g., DTP, DTaP, P, Tdap, DTP-Hib)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccines (e.g., MMR, MR, M, R)
- Polio vaccines (e.g., OPV or IPV)
- Hepatitis A vaccines (e.g., HAV)
- Hepatitis B vaccines (e.g.,HBV)
- Haemophilus influenza type b polysaccharide conjugate vaccines (e.g., Hib)
- Varicella vaccines (e.g., VZV) [herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine is not covered]
- Rotavirus vaccines (e.g.,RV)
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (e.g., PCV)
- Seasonal influenza vaccines (e.g., IIV3 standard dose, IIV3 high dose, IIV4, RIV3, LAIV3, LAIV4)
- Human Papillomavirus vaccines (e.g., HPV)
- Meningococcal vaccines (e.g., MCV4, MPSV4, recombinant)
- Any combination of the above vaccines
Q: Who is Eligible to File a Vaccine Injury Claim?
A: To be eligible to file a claim, the effects of the person’s vaccine injury must have:
- Lasted for more than six (6) months, or;
- Resulted in a surgical intervention while inpatient hospitalized, or
- Resulted in death.
Q: Is there a Statute of Limitations for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?
A: Yes. There are specific time limits on the filing of claims, and most claims must be filed within 3 years of the first symptoms of a vaccine injury. To be safe, we recommend that all claims be filed within 3 years of the date of the vaccination.
Q: Are You Able to Represent Clients in my State?
A: Absolutely. Since your claim will be filed with the Federal Court of Claims in Washington, D.C., we are not limited to the representation of Wisconsin residents and are able to represent vaccine injury victims throughout the United States.
Q: Will I Be Responsible for Any Attorney’s Fees and Costs?
A: No. There is no cost to you. The vaccine program pays all attorney’s fees and costs at the conclusion of the case. You will never be asked for any money.
Q: What Type of Compensation is Available in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?
A: Compensation that may be awarded for a vaccine-related injury includes:
- Reasonable compensation for future medical care
- Reimbursement for past expenses relating to vaccine injury
- Past and future lost earnings
- Up to $250,000 for pain and suffering and emotional distress
Q: What are Some of the Most Common Vaccine Injuries and Conditions?
A: Some of the more common injuries associated with vaccinations include:
- Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Transverse myelitis
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
- Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
- Brachial neuritis (also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)
- Anaphylaxis
- Intussusception
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Q: Where Can I Learn More?
A: For more information, you can read our firm’s vaccine injury lawyer page or our National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program page. Additionally, you are free to check out these resources on other accredited websites:
