California Vaccine Injury Lawyer

California Vaccine Injury Lawyer | Federal Compensation for Flu Shot & Routine Vaccine Injuries

Pain or limited movement that begins after a flu shot, Tdap, MMR, or another covered vaccine disrupts work, family life, and simple daily tasks. Californians file hundreds of federal claims each year through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), and these claims often begin with symptoms that seemed minor at first.

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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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Injuries After a Flu Shot or Tdap in California May Qualify for Federal Compensation

A short drive to a neighborhood pharmacy or clinic is all it takes for a routine vaccination to become a long-term injury. People from every part of the state rely on My Vaccine Lawyer for answers, and many learn that a vaccine injury claim is available to them even when no one mentioned the federal program at the time of vaccination.

Serving all 58 California counties with no travel required.
More than 4,500 vaccine injury claims filed nationwide by our legal team.
Speak directly with an experienced vaccine injury attorney during your free consultation.

California vaccinates more people than any other state, and that scale shapes the number of federal claims filed each year. A population of nearly 39 million residents results in millions of flu shot appointments across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and every surrounding county. This volume creates measurable patterns in the VICP, and many Californians discover that persistent shoulder pain or neurological symptoms qualify for a vaccine injury claim.

The federal program has awarded more than $4.5 billion to nearly 10,000 injured parties, and California contributes significantly to that total because of its vaccination density.

✔ Attorney fees covered by the federal program
✔ No requirement to prove negligence
✔ Claims handled remotely across California

Could Your Vaccine Injury Have Happened in California

California’s vaccination landscape plays a direct role in the number of vaccine injury cases filed by residents. Business and Professions Code 4052.8 authorizes pharmacists to administer ACIP-recommended vaccines to individuals aged three and older, and this authority expands vaccination beyond hospitals and specialty clinics. Pharmacies, workplace events, grocery-store clinics, and community health centers now complete thousands of appointments every day.

Common indicators Californians report include:

Shoulder pain after a flu shot that persists
Limited range of motion during everyday tasks
Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand
Fatigue or neurological changes that follow vaccination

A vaccine injury attorney examines each detail to determine whether a federal claim qualifies for financial compensation, and many cases proceed even when the vaccination felt routine at the time.

Meet Our Founders

California Vaccine Injury Lawyers

Shoulder Pain After a Vaccination in California May Be a SIRVA Injury

Many federal vaccine injury claims filed by Californians involve shoulder pain that begins soon after a flu shot or other routine vaccination. People often contact our law office after realizing the discomfort has remained far longer than expected and now affects their ability to lift, reach, or sleep comfortably.

Clients frequently report that:

Pain started shortly after the vaccination
Movement in the shoulder became difficult over time
Imaging later showed inflammation or irritation within the joint

A vaccine injury claim can proceed when symptoms meet federal standards for timing and severity, and the process does not require proving that a provider made an error.

Who Can File a Vaccine Injury Claim in California?

To qualify for compensation under the VICP, your situation must meet one of the following:

The injury lasted six months or more
It resulted in a hospital stay or surgery
The vaccinated person passed away due to complications

Additional eligibility:

Claim must be filed within three years of the first symptom
The vaccine must be covered by the VICP
There is no age restriction, adults and children are eligible
Death claims must be filed within 2 years of death and 4 years from symptom onset

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.

Common Vaccine Injuries We Handle for California Vaccine Injury Claims

We help clients who experience adverse reactions from routine vaccines, including:

Neurological Injuries

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Transverse Myelitis
Brachial Neuritis, Bell’s Palsy, other neuropathies

Shoulder Injuries (SIRVA)

Tendonitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder
Loss of motion or pain following vaccine administration

Vaccines commonly involved:

Flu shot
HPV vaccine
Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
MMR (Measles, mumps, rubella)
Pneumococcal, shingles, hepatitis vaccines

Examples of Vaccine Injury Compensation Results

Each of these vaccine injury cases was handled by our law firm. Legal fees were paid by the program, not the client.

$110,000 - Frozen Shoulder from a Flu Shot
- A California woman suffered adhesive capsulitis caused by improper administration of a flu shot. The client participated in physical therapy for several weeks. When she did not improve with therapy, her orthopedic surgeon recommended arthroscopic surgery.
$4,095,193 – Tdap vaccine leading to encephalitis
$2,473,607 – Flu vaccine resulting in Guillain-Barré Syndrome
$271,544 – Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy after vaccination
$1,233,543 – Parsonage-Turner Syndrome post flu shot

See more of our notable settlements

Every case is different. We’ll determine your eligibility and handle your filing at no cost.

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.