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Illinois Vaccine Injury Lawyer

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

The attorneys at My Vaccine Lawyer are licensed to handle vaccine injury cases throughout Illinois. 

 

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Expert Vaccine Injury Lawyers in Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, and More

Illinois is home to over 12.7 million people, with a large number residing in vibrant cities like Chicago, Springfield, and Rockford. As the state with the fifth-largest population in the U.S., Illinois sees a high volume of vaccinations every year. At My Vaccine Lawyer, we provide top-tier representation for your vaccine injury, no matter where you are in the Prairie State.

Whether you’re in the great city of Chicago, the historic capital of Springfield, the industrious Rockford, or the charming town of Peoria, My Vaccine Lawyer stands out as the premier law firm for vaccine injury cases. Our attorneys are seasoned experts who represent clients nationwide, making sure that you receive the best possible outcome. When you reach out to My Vaccine Lawyer, you speak directly with an experienced vaccine lawyer – not an assistant or paralegal. We take pride in offering personalized attention and are available to assist you at any time of day.

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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.

Speak to a Vaccine Lawyer

Meet Your Illinois Vaccine Injury Legal Team

Representing Illinois residents statewide 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
Serving Illinois: We coordinate records with UI Health, Northwestern Medicine, Rush, UChicago Medicine, Advocate Health, Loyola Medicine, OSF HealthCare, Carle Health, Memorial Health (Springfield), and systems statewide.
Portrait of Paul Brazil, Esq.

Paul Brazil, Esq.

Founding Partner, My Vaccine Lawyer

Founding partner of My Vaccine Lawyer; nationally recognized advocate for vaccine-injured clients in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.


Biography & Experience

Paul Brazil is a native of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, a graduate of Bloomsburg University (B.A.) and Widener University School of Law (J.D.). After starting his career at a large Philadelphia civil defense firm, he co-founded Muller Brazil (now My Vaccine Lawyer) with Max Muller to provide client-centered representation and transparent communication.

Paul has devoted the entirety of his recent practice to representing vaccine injury victims in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. He has recovered millions of dollars for clients and is known for clear guidance, practical strategy, and compassionate advocacy.

  • Speaker & Panels: VIPBAR Conference; Court of Federal Claims Judicial Conference (Informal Resolution of Damages)
  • Recognition: Pennsylvania Super Lawyers – Rising Star (2019–2020)
Notable VICP Results
  • $1,233,543 for a flu shot causing Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (Pennsylvania)
  • $250,000 for a rotavirus vaccine causing Intussusception (Michigan)
  • $117,384 for a flu shot causing SIRVA (New Mexico)
In the News & Highlights
  • News4 I-Team — Discussed Zostavax litigation and filing in the VICP
  • The Washington Post — Featured on vaccine-related shoulder injuries (2015)
  • NBC4 Washington — Interview on incorrect vaccine administration and SIRVA
  • CBS3 Philadelphia — Interview on rise in shoulder injuries from vaccinations
Bar Admissions & Courts
  • Pennsylvania
  • New Jersey
  • United States Court of Federal Claims
Practice Areas
  • Vaccine Injury
  • Unsafe Drugs & Defective Medical Devices
  • Personal Injury
  • Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Subrogation & Mass Torts
Statewide Coverage: Chicago & Cook County, the Collar Counties (DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry), Rockford & Northern IL, Peoria–Bloomington–Normal, Champaign–Urbana, Springfield & Central IL, Metro East, and beyond.

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 path to recovery can be long and hard, 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 Illinois

In 2022, 12.4% of Illinois residents were between the ages of 65 and 74 years old. This demographic in Illinois often receives vaccines aimed at preventing diseases more prevalent in older adults. Some of the most common types of vaccine injuries in Illinois 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. Flu shot 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

Illinois Vaccine Injury Lawyers

$120+ Million

The amount we've recovered for clients.

4,500

Clients represented across the country in the past 10 years.

1,750+

SIRVA clients represented since 2020.

5 Stars

Average Google review score from past clients.

Financial Impact of Vaccine Injuries

Vaccine injuries result in potential 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 Illinois in 2022 was $62,000 per year, or about $1,190 per week. When a vaccine injury occurs, individuals may need to take time off work for treatment and recovery, ending in 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 Illinois 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 yourselves become another statistic, become a success story.

Illinois Vaccine Injury Settlements

Flu Shot - Shoulder Injury - $110,000

An Illinois woman from Chicago received a flu shot at a local pharmacy and experienced immediate shoulder pain. Within 48 hours, she was unable to lift her arm and sought medical attention. She was diagnosed with Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), which included bursitis, tendonitis, and adhesive capsulitis. Her treatment involved extensive physical therapy, multiple steroid injections, and eventually an arthroscopic surgery. Despite these efforts, she continued to experience significant pain and a reduced range of motion. The case was settled for $110,000 to cover her medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

See Our Settlements

Illinois Vaccine Injury Lawyers

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

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

If you suffered a vaccine injury in Illinois, 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 Illinois 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—Illinois residents qualify regardless of where the vaccine was administered.

3

Medical Review

HHS reviews your medical records and may request more documentation. We coordinate with providers across Chicago/Cook County, the Collar Counties, Rockford, Central IL, and downstate systems.

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–$200,000; actual amounts vary.

Important for Illinois Residents

No in-person travel required. Filings, communication, and hearings can be handled remotely. Our attorneys manage every step.

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

Illinois Vaccine Injury Lawyers

VICP representation for clients across Chicago, the Collar Counties, Central Illinois, and all 102 Illinois counties

Note: Our Vaccine Injury Attorneys in Illinois do not handle vaccine mandate claims.
Illinois Counties Served By My Vaccine Lawyer
We serve all 102 Illinois counties, including:
  • Cook
  • DuPage
  • Lake
  • Will
  • Kane
  • McHenry
  • Winnebago
  • Madison
  • St. Clair
  • Sangamon
  • Peoria
  • Champaign
  • McLean
  • Rock Island
  • Tazewell
  • Kendall
  • Kankakee
  • DeKalb
  • LaSalle
  • Macon
  • Adams
  • Boone
  • Whiteside
  • Henry
  • Vermilion
  • Effingham
  • Jackson
  • Williamson
  • Coles
  • Clay
VACCINE INJURY LAWYER CHICAGO

Chicago patients are served by Northwestern Medicine, Rush, UChicago Medicine, Advocate, UI Health, and major pharmacy networks. If SIRVA, numbness, weakness, or neurologic issues followed a shot in the city or nearby suburbs, our VICP team can help.

We obtain records across the Loop, Near North, West Loop, South Side, North Side, and the O’Hare corridor.

Common Vaccine Injury Scenarios in Chicago

  • Flu/COVID-19 shots at pharmacies and employer clinics
  • College & pediatric vaccines at university and pediatric practices
  • Pneumonia/shingles shots for older adults at retail clinics

Free case evaluation—handled remotely. No travel to Washington, D.C. required.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER – COLLAR COUNTIES

We coordinate records throughout DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, and McHenry Counties—Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Elgin, Waukegan, and more.

Common Scenarios in the Suburbs

  • Flu shots at employer or pharmacy clinics
  • Travel vaccines prior to O’Hare and Midway flights
  • SIRVA tied to improper injection technique

We handle filings, negotiations, and hearings remotely.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER SPRINGFIELD & CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Care anchored by Memorial Health and HSHS. We coordinate records in Springfield, Decatur, Bloomington–Normal, Peoria, and across Sangamon, Macon, McLean, and Tazewell Counties.

All filings and hearings are handled remotely by our team.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER ROCKFORD & NORTHERN IL

We gather records from Rockford-area providers (Winnebago & Boone Counties), plus clinics along I-90 and I-39 corridors.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER CHAMPAIGN–URBANA

Carle Health and OSF HealthCare serve the region. If SIRVA or neurologic symptoms followed a vaccine, we can pursue your federal VICP claim.

VACCINE INJURY LAWYER METRO EAST (ST. LOUIS AREA)

We work with providers in Madison and St. Clair Counties (Edwardsville, Belleville, O’Fallon, Alton) and coordinate across the St. Louis metro.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation
We manage everything remotely—no travel to Washington, D.C. needed.
 

Data Sources

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois 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 Illinois?

Under the VICP, you generally have 3 years from the first symptom to file an injury claim. For death claims, the deadline is 2 years from the date of death and 4 years from the first symptom. These federal deadlines apply in Illinois.

Do I have to live in Illinois or get vaccinated here to file?

No. The VICP is federal. We represent Illinois residents injured anywhere in the U.S., and we also represent non-residents who were vaccinated in Illinois.

What compensation can I receive through the VICP?
  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering (up to $250,000)
  • Death benefits (up to $250,000)
  • Attorney fees and costs (paid by the program, not taken from your award)
How long do Illinois VICP cases typically take?

Timelines vary by injury and record complexity. Many cases resolve within 12–18 months. Straightforward SIRVA claims may resolve faster; complex neurologic cases (e.g., GBS, CIDP, TM) may take longer.

What evidence helps a successful Illinois claim?
  • Comprehensive medical records (ER, PCP, ortho, neuro, PT)
  • Vaccination proof (date, location, lot if available)
  • A clear onset timeline tied to vaccination
  • Work/earnings documentation if claiming wage loss

We coordinate records statewide (Chicago/Cook, Collar Counties, Rockford & Northern IL, Central IL, Metro East, and more).

Can I sue the vaccinator or manufacturer instead of using the VICP?

In most situations, no. The VICP is a no-fault program that compensates without proving negligence. Limited exceptions exist for willful misconduct. We’ll evaluate your facts and guide you to the appropriate path.

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

No out-of-pocket cost. The VICP pays reasonable attorney fees and case expenses directly, separate from your compensation.

Is SIRVA covered by the VICP?

Yes. SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration) occurs when a shot is injected too high/deep, injuring shoulder structures. It is covered under the VICP.

We’ve represented thousands of SIRVA clients nationwide, including many across Illinois.

Do I need a local Illinois attorney or in-person hearings?

No. VICP cases are heard in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., and are routinely handled remotely. We represent clients statewide without requiring office visits or travel.

Will my Illinois health insurance or Medicaid affect my case?

Insurance can pay care initially; if you receive a VICP award, certain payers (including Medicaid) may assert liens that must be resolved from the medical-expense portion. We handle lien coordination as part of your case.

What injuries besides SIRVA are common in Illinois VICP claims?
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
  • Brachial neuritis / peripheral neuropathies
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Transverse myelitis / encephalitis
  • CIDP and other post-vaccination neurologic conditions
Can you work with my Illinois doctors and employers to gather records?

Yes. We request records from Illinois providers (hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, PT, imaging) and coordinate employment/wage documentation to support your claim.

Good to Know for Illinois Residents

You don’t need to travel to Washington, D.C. Filings, communication, and hearings are handled remotely. Our attorneys manage every step from start to finish.

Illinois Vaccine Law & Your Rights

What Illinois residents should know when pursuing federal VICP claims

Vaccine injury claims are handled federally through the VICP, but Illinois residents should know a few state-specific points about medical records and process logistics.

IL

Illinois & the Federal VICP

Illinois does not operate a separate vaccine injury fund. Claims are brought in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and can be handled remotely from anywhere in Illinois.

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Your Right to Compensation

State statutes of limitations do not control VICP claims—only federal deadlines (generally 3 years from first symptom for injury; different timelines for death claims).

RX

Medical Records Access (Illinois)

Under Illinois law, providers generally must supply copies of medical records within 30 days of a proper request (with a limited extension when noticed in writing). Reasonable, statute-regulated copy fees may apply.

  • We request records from hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and PT/imaging offices statewide.
  • We help document onset timing, diagnosis, and treatment to support your claim.
NF

No-Fault Compensation

The VICP is no-fault: you don’t have to prove negligence—only that a covered vaccine caused a qualifying injury within federal timelines.

Practical Tip for Illinois Residents

We manage filings, hearings, and communications remotely for clients in Chicago & Cook County, the Collar Counties, Central & Downstate Illinois—no travel required.

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.