California Vaccine Injury Lawyer

Expert California VICP Representation for SIRVA, Flu Shot Vaccine Injuries and more.

Receive expert representation from the attorneys at My Vaccine Lawyer are licensed to handle vaccine injury cases throughout California.

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Expert Vaccine Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and More

We are eager to provide you with the highest level of representation for your vaccine injury. Whether you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, or somewhere in between, My Vaccine Lawyer is the outstanding vaccine injury law firm for your case. Our attorneys provide experienced representation to clients all over the country. When you call My Vaccine Lawyer, you can be sure you will speak to a vaccine lawyer – not an assistant or paralegal. The vaccine lawyers at My Vaccine Lawyer pride themselves on personal attention to clients, including responsiveness at all times of the day.

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Meet Your California Vaccine Injury Legal Team

Representing clients nationwide in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

Portrait of Max J. Muller, Esq.

Max J. Muller, Esq.

Founding Partner, My Vaccine Lawyer

Founding member of Muller Brazil and My Vaccine Lawyer; seasoned federal and state court litigator focused on vaccine injury claims.

Biography & Experience

Maximillian J. Muller is a founding member of Muller Brazil and My Vaccine Lawyer. Mr. Muller is an experienced litigator in Federal and State Courts across vaccine injury, unsafe drug and medical device injury, personal injury, mass torts, and bad faith. He keeps the firm on the cutting edge of injury litigation with a client-first approach.

He devotes most of his practice to advocating for victims of serious injuries. A seasoned courtroom litigator, he regularly tries cases to verdict, collaborates with leading medical experts, and has multiple landmark decisions in vaccine court—including the first successful trial verdict proving Guillain-Barré syndrome from a pneumonia vaccine.

Board & Speaking: Vaccine Injured Petitioners Bar Association (VIPBAR) board member and conference speaker
Recognition: Pennsylvania Super Lawyers – Rising Star (2014–2024)

Read Max’s full bio »

Notable VICP Results

$2,473,607 for flu shot causing Guillain-Barré Syndrome (North Carolina)
$271,544 for flu shot causing chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (Tennessee)
Compensation for pneumonia-vaccine shoulder injuries (tendonitis, bursitis, torn rotator cuff)
$4,095,193 for a TDaP vaccine causing encephalitis (South Carolina)

Bar Admissions & Courts

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
United States Court of Federal Claims
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania

Practice Areas

Vaccine Injury (VICP)
Unsafe Drugs & Defective Medical Devices
Personal Injury
Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith
Workers' Compensation
Subrogation & Mass Torts

Education & Professional Associations

Education

Widener University School of Law (J.D.)
Lehigh University (B.S., Business & Marketing)

Professional Associations

Pennsylvania Bar Association
American Association for Justice
Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
Vaccine Injured Petitioners Bar Association (VIPBAR)

Hear Cheryl's Vaccine Injury Story

Cheryl suffered SIRVA (shoulder injury related to vaccine administration) following a flu shot. Her vaccine injury claim was filed in the VICP by vaccine lawyer Max Muller where she obtained a large cash settlement for her pain and suffering, lost wages and out of pocket medical expenses.

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The Unfortunate Impact of Vaccine Injuries on Individuals and Their Families

Vaccine injuries, though rare, can have devastating consequences for individuals and their families. The physical and emotional toll of such injuries often extends far beyond the initial trauma, affecting every aspect of daily life. For those who experience severe adverse reactions, the journey to recovery can be long and arduous, filled with medical treatments, therapies, and ongoing health challenges.

The impact of a vaccine injury is not limited to the individual alone. Families are often thrust into roles they are unprepared for, becoming caregivers and advocates overnight. This sudden shift can:

Strain relationships
Lead to financial hardships due to medical expenses and lost income
Create an atmosphere of constant worry and uncertainty about the future

You need not suffer alone. Contact My Vaccine Lawyer to see how we can help you recover what you deserve.

Common Types of Vaccine Injuries in California

In 2021, approximately 14.8% of Californians were 65 years and older (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022). This demographic in California often receives vaccines aimed at preventing diseases more prevalent in older adults. Some of the most common types of vaccine injuries in California include:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Injuries: Including those from FluMist, FluShield, Fluvirin, Fluzone, and Afluria, flu vaccines are commonly administered to the elderly to prevent severe flu complications. Injuries can include Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine Injuries: Given to boost immunity, especially after certain injuries, the Tdap vaccine can sometimes cause severe shoulder pain or other complications.

My Vaccine Lawyer does not only represent our older citizens. We will stand in your corner if you have suffered a vaccine injury after taking other potentially problematic vaccines, such as:

For a full list of vaccines and potential injuries, you can refer to the Vaccine Injury Table. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Meet Our Founders

California Vaccine Injury Lawyers

Financial Impact of Vaccine Injuries

Vaccine injuries result in significant financial burdens, particularly due to medical expenses. According to the Social Security Administration, the average Social Security benefit in 2021 was about $1,550 per month, or approximately $18,500 per year. The average salary in California in 2022 was $78,000 per year, or about $1,500 per week. When a vaccine injury occurs, individuals may need to take time off work for treatment and recovery, leading to a substantial loss of income.

For instance, a common vaccine injury such as Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) can require extensive physical therapy, medical appointments, and potentially surgery. The cost of treating SIRVA can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the severity of the injury and the required treatments. This does not include the additional financial strain of lost wages during the recovery period.

Clearly, the average individual in California does not have the means to handle a vaccine injury without support, especially financially. Vaccine injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Do not let yourself become another statistic; become a success story.

California Vaccine Injury Settlements

Flu Shot - Shoulder Tendonitis - $130,000

A California woman suffered a shoulder injury leading to surgery after a flu shot. The client received a flu shot at a local pharmacy and within 24 hours was unable to move her arm. She was diagnosed with bursitis, tendonitis, and adhesive capsulitis, and treated with physical therapy and a steroid injection. When the treatment failed to provide relief, she was forced to undergo an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair but continued to experience pain and reduced range of motion.

See Our Settlements

California Vaccine Injury Lawyers

How the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) Works for California Residents

A clear, no-cost path to pursue compensation through the federal program

If you suffered a vaccine injury in California, you may be eligible for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)—a federal, no-fault alternative to traditional litigation. Here’s how it works:

1

Free Case Evaluation

Contact our California vaccine injury lawyers for a free, confidential review. We assess VICP eligibility and timing (typically 3 years from the first symptom for injury claims).

2

Petition Filing

We file your petition with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. VICP is federal—California residents qualify regardless of where they received the vaccine.

3

Medical Review

HHS reviews your medical records and may request more documentation. We coordinate with your California providers to submit complete, well-supported evidence.

4

Settlement or Hearing

DOJ may offer a settlement; if not, the case proceeds to a hearing before a Special Master. You pay nothing—the VICP covers attorney’s fees and case costs.

5

Compensation

Eligible damages include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, ongoing care. Typical SIRVA settlements range from $100,000 to $200,000; actual amounts vary.

Important for California Residents

Travel isn’t required. All communications, filings, and hearings can be handled remotely. Our attorneys manage every step from start to finish.

Note: Deadlines differ for certain claim types (e.g., death claims). This information is general and not legal advice.

California Vaccine Injury Lawyers

VICP representation for clients across Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and all 58 California counties

Note: Our Vaccine Injury Attorneys in California do not handle vaccine mandate claims.

California Counties Served By My Vaccine Lawyer

San Luis Obispo
San Mateo
Santa Barbara
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Sutter
Tehama
Trinity
Tulare
Tuolumne
Ventura
Yolo
Yuba

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles County is home to over 10 million residents and premier institutions, including UCLA Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai, and USC Keck Medicine. If you received a vaccine at a Los Angeles pharmacy, clinic, or hospital and developed severe shoulder pain (SIRVA), numbness, weakness, or neurological issues, you need a vaccine injury lawyer who understands both the federal VICP system and the local healthcare landscape.

We routinely obtain records from hospital systems across the region and know the workflows at facilities near Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, and the San Fernando Valley. Whether you were vaccinated after a day at LA Live, before travel through LAX, or at a clinic off the 405/101, we manage your VICP claim end-to-end.

Common Vaccine Injury Scenarios in Los Angeles

Flu shots at CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid across LA County
Tdap boosters at urgent care clinics before international travel from LAX
HPV vaccines at Los Angeles Unified School District health centers
Pneumonia shots for seniors in Pasadena, Glendale, and Santa Monica

Experiencing persistent pain or reduced range of motion after vaccination in LA? Free case evaluation—handled remotely; no travel to Washington, D.C. required.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER SAN FRANCISCO

San Franciscans often receive vaccinations at UCSF Medical Center, California Pacific Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente San Francisco. If shoulder or neurological symptoms followed your vaccine in the city, our team can navigate the VICP on your behalf.

We coordinate records from systems serving SoMa, Union Square, the Mission, the Richmond, and the Sunset. Whether your shot was near the Embarcadero, around Market Street, or before a flight out of SFO, we manage filings and hearings remotely.

Common Vaccine Injury Scenarios in San Francisco

Flu shots at pharmacies along Market Street and Union Square
Tdap or travel vaccines at SFO travel clinics
City-run pop-up clinic vaccinations (COVID-19, flu)
Pneumonia/shingles shots at senior centers in Pacific Heights and the Sunset

Developed pain or nerve symptoms post-vaccine in SF? We’ll assemble the medical evidence and file your federal claim.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER SAN DIEGO

San Diego residents rely on UC San Diego Health, Scripps, and Sharp. If a vaccine was followed by SIRVA or neurologic complications, our San Diego-focused team can help you pursue VICP compensation.

We collect records from clinics and hospitals throughout La Jolla, Mission Valley, Chula Vista, Oceanside, and Escondido—whether you were vaccinated near Balboa Park, before a flight from SAN, or at a pharmacy along the I-5/805.

Common Vaccine Injury Scenarios in San Diego

Flu/COVID-19 shots at UCSD or Scripps facilities
Travel vaccines near San Diego International Airport (SAN)
HPV/MMR for students at San Diego Unified clinics
Pneumonia vaccines for seniors in La Mesa, Del Mar, and Coronado

Free consultation. We handle everything remotely—no in-person court visits.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER SACRAMENTO

Sacramento—home to UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Medical Center, and Mercy General—is a hub for care across the Capital Region. If you suffered SIRVA, GBS, or chronic shoulder pain after a vaccine, we can help.

We frequently retrieve records from providers serving Midtown, Natomas, Elk Grove, and Roseville, including clinics around the Capitol Mall and Golden 1 Center.

Common Vaccine Injury Scenarios in Sacramento

Flu shots at CVS or Rite Aid throughout the city
Shingles/pneumonia vaccines near Carmichael and Fair Oaks
Tdap/meningitis vaccines for students at Sacramento State University
COVID-19 shots at county clinics around the Capitol

We’ll file your VICP petition and manage hearings so you don’t have to travel.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER OAKLAND

Oakland patients are served by Kaiser Oakland, Alta Bates Summit, and Highland Hospital. If post-vaccine pain, stiffness, or neurologic symptoms emerged, our team will build a strong, evidence-based VICP claim.

We coordinate with providers across Downtown Oakland, Rockridge, Piedmont, Berkeley, and greater Alameda County—including travelers vaccinated before flights from OAK.

Common Vaccine Injury Scenarios in Oakland

Flu/COVID-19 shots at pharmacies in Downtown and Rockridge
Tdap boosters for Oakland International (OAK) travelers
HPV/MMR vaccines at Oakland Unified School District health centers
Pneumonia/shingles vaccines for seniors in Berkeley, Alameda, and Emeryville

We partner with medical experts to connect your symptoms to the vaccine and maximize recovery.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER SAN JOSE

In Silicon Valley, shots are commonly administered through Stanford Health Care, O’Connor Hospital, Regional Medical Center, and employer clinics. If you experienced SIRVA or neuro symptoms after a vaccination, you may qualify for VICP compensation.

We secure records from providers across Santa Clara County—from Downtown San Jose to Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Milpitas, and Palo Alto—including clinics serving travelers through Mineta San Jose International (SJC).

Common Vaccine Injury Scenarios in San Jose

Flu shots at employer/tech campus clinics around Silicon Valley
Travel vaccines prior to SJC flights
Pediatric vaccines at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and local pediatrics
Pneumonia/shingles shots for seniors in Cupertino, Los Gatos, and Campbell

We handle filings, negotiations, and hearings remotely to minimize disruption to work and family.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation

We manage everything remotely—no travel to Washington, D.C. needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Vaccine Injury Claims

Clear answers about your rights, timelines, and what to expect in the VICP process

What is the statute of limitations for filing a vaccine injury claim in California?

Under the VICP, you generally have 3 years from the date of the first symptom to file a claim. For injuries resulting in death, the deadline is 2 years from the date of death and 4 years from the first symptom. These are federal deadlines that apply nationwide, including California. Contact a vaccine injury lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Do I need to be a California resident to file a claim?

No. If you received a vaccine in California but live elsewhere now, you can still file a claim. The VICP is a federal program, and our attorneys represent clients nationwide. What matters is that you received a covered vaccine and suffered a qualifying injury.

What types of compensation can I receive through the VICP?

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering (up to $250,000)
Death benefits (up to $250,000)
Attorney fees and costs (paid by the program, not from your settlement)

How long does a vaccine injury case take?

Timelines vary, but many VICP cases resolve within 12–18 months. Straightforward SIRVA cases may settle faster, while complex injuries with long-term effects can take longer. Our California vaccine injury lawyers work to keep your case moving while pursuing maximum compensation.

What evidence do I need for a successful claim?

Medical records documenting your injury and treatment
Vaccination records (date, vaccine type, location)
A statement describing how the injury occurred and its impact on your life
Employment records (if claiming lost wages)

Our attorneys help California clients gather records from providers, pharmacies, and employers across the state.

Can I sue the vaccine manufacturer or the person who administered the vaccine?

In most cases, no. The VICP is a no-fault system that compensates without proving negligence. In limited circumstances involving willful misconduct, other legal options may exist. We can evaluate your case and advise on the best path forward.

How much does it cost to hire a vaccine injury lawyer in California?

No cost to you. The VICP pays attorney fees and case expenses directly, so you pay nothing out of pocket.

What is SIRVA, and is it covered by the VICP?

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) occurs when a vaccine is injected too high or too deep into the shoulder, injuring the tendons, ligaments, or bursa. SIRVA is covered under the VICP.

Our firm has successfully represented 1,750+ SIRVA clients nationwide, including hundreds in California.

Good to Know for California Residents

You don’t need to travel to Washington, D.C. Filings, communication, and hearings can be handled remotely—our attorneys manage everything from start to finish.

California Vaccine Law & Your Rights

What California residents should know when pursuing federal VICP claims

While vaccine injury claims are handled at the federal level through the VICP, California residents should be aware of several state-specific considerations that affect records, requirements, and process logistics.

CA

California’s Vaccine Requirements

California maintains some of the strictest vaccine requirements in the U.S.

SB 277 (2015): Eliminated personal belief exemptions for school-required vaccines.
SB 276 (2019): Tightened standards and oversight for medical exemptions.

These public-health measures mean many Californians receive vaccines that—on rare occasions—may cause injury.

$

Your Right to Compensation

California has no state-level vaccine injury fund. As a California resident, you have full access to the federal VICP. State statutes of limitations do not apply—only federal deadlines govern your claim.

RX

Medical Records Access (CMIA)

Under the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, you have the right to access your medical records within 15 days of request.

We obtain records from providers, pharmacies, and hospitals statewide.
Complete, timely records are essential for a strong VICP case.

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No-Fault Compensation

Unlike typical California personal injury claims, the VICP is no-fault. You don’t need to prove negligence by a doctor, pharmacist, or manufacturer—only that you received a covered vaccine and suffered a qualifying injury.

Practical Tip for Californians

VICP cases are handled in Washington, D.C., but you don’t need to travel. Our team manages filings, hearings, and communications remotely.

Disclaimer: This overview is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and timelines can change. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.