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Vaccine Injuries

If you're facing pain and uncertainty after a suspected vaccine injury,
you're not alone.

Vaccines are safe and effective, preventing millions of illnesses and deaths each year.
But vaccine injuries can happen rarely. 

 

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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.

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What exactly is a vaccine injury? 

In 2021, the CDC reported approximately 5,412 reports of serious adverse events out of 405 million vaccine doses given in the U.S.

Simply put, any adverse health condition may be linked to receiving a vaccine. While safety is paramount in vaccine development and administration, rare injuries can occur. It's important to note that most people who receive vaccines experience no harmful side effects. However, understanding your options and seeking guidance is crucial if you believe you or someone you love has suffered a vaccine injury.

Are vaccine injuries uncommon? 

While they are indeed very rare cases, it's essential to acknowledge their potential severity. We recognize the seriousness of individual cases and are committed to helping those affected explore their legal rights and navigate the complexities of seeking compensation.

Are you wondering what are the different types of vaccine injuries? 

We've dedicated separate pages to each specific type, offering in-depth explanations and resources tailored to your concerns. Whether you're seeking information about injuries related to the influenza vaccine, tetanus toxoid, or other vaccines, we're here to provide answers and support.

Remember, you're not alone. Take the first step toward understanding your situation and exploring your options.

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Vaccine Injuries, VICP, My Vaccine Lawyer

Understanding the Impact of Vaccine Injuries

While vaccines serve as vital shields against infectious diseases, rare vaccine injuries can occur, leaving individuals and families facing unexpected challenges.  If you suspect you or someone you love may have been affected, it's crucial to understand the types of injuries, their potential impact, and available legal options. Here, we delve into some common vaccine injuries, highlighting their impact on individuals and families:

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries occur when a vaccine is injected incorrectly, damaging surrounding tissues in the shoulder. This can result in chronic pain, limited movement, and difficulty performing daily activities. Imagine struggling to raise your arm to comb your hair or dress yourself. Painful limitations like these can significantly impact independence and quality of life.

Here is a list of specific shoulder vaccine injuries:

  • Shoulder Injury Associated with Vaccination (SIRVA)
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
  • Bursitis
  • Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Legal representation can help individuals with SIRVA pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Allergic Reactions

Ranging from mild skin rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis, allergic reactions to vaccines, though rare, demand immediate medical attention. The fear and uncertainty surrounding a severe allergic reaction can be traumatizing, both for the individual and their loved ones. Recovery may require ongoing medical care and potential lifestyle adjustments. Legal guidance can help navigate the complexities of seeking compensation for medical expenses and emotional distress caused by severe allergic reactions.

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Vaccine Injuries, VICP, My Vaccine Lawyer

$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.

Nerve Damage

Certain vaccine injuries can affect nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, or pain in various body parts. This can significantly impact mobility, daily activities, and overall well-being.

Nerve damage can be debilitating, affecting an individual's work, hobbies, and ability to participate in everyday life. It can also strain family members who provide care and support. Here is a list of specific autoimmune disorder vaccine injuries:

Acute:

  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Rapid muscle weakness, progressing upwards, potentially leading to paralysis.
  • Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord that causes various neurological symptoms, such as weakness, vision problems, or seizures.
  • Transverse Myelitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord causing weakness, numbness, pain, and bladder/bowel dysfunction.
  • Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain causing fever, headache, confusion, and seizures.

Chronic:

  • Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): Similar to GBS but with a slower progression and potentially recurring episodes.
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Severe, chronic pain affecting a specific limb after an injury, including vaccination in rare cases.

Legal representation can help individuals with nerve damage caused by a vaccine injury access compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and other related expenses.

Brain Injuries

Though extremely rare, encephalitis or meningitis can occur after certain vaccinations, potentially leading to seizures, cognitive impairments, and other neurological issues.

Brain injuries have life-altering consequences, impacting every aspect of an individual's life and requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and support. Here are some examples of vaccine-administered brain injuries that can occur:

  • Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain causing fever, headache, confusion, and seizures.
  • Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord causing similar symptoms to encephalitis.
  • Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord causing various neurological symptoms like weakness, vision problems, or seizures.

Legal representation can be crucial in securing compensation for the significant and ongoing costs associated with treating and managing brain injuries caused by a vaccine.

Here is a list of the vaccines and the associated vaccine injuries we commonly encounter. All of these are covered under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

Each case is unique and symptoms can often overlap with others, which is why it is vital to be in the know about the differences between each condition. If you suspect a vaccine injury, consult a healthcare professional immediately and consider seeking legal guidance to understand your rights and options.

 

Recognizing Potential Vaccine Injuries: When to Seek Help

While most people tolerate vaccines with minimal side effects, understanding the signs and symptoms of a potential vaccine injury is crucial for individuals and their loved ones. 

Early recognition and prompt medical attention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and overall well-being. Here's a list of key symptoms to watch for after receiving a vaccine, tailored to some common categories of vaccine injuries:

Allergic Reactions:

  • Sudden: Rapid onset of symptoms like difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Seek immediate medical attention or call 911.
  • Skin: Itching, hives, or redness at the injection site or elsewhere on the body.
  • Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS):

  • Muscle weakness: Starting in the legs and progressing upwards, potentially leading to paralysis.
  • Tingling or numbness: Especially in the legs and arms.
  • Difficulty breathing: In severe cases.

Shoulder Injury Associated with Vaccination (SIRVA):

  • Severe pain: Intense and persistent pain in the shoulder after vaccination.
  • Limited movement: Difficulty raising or moving the arm freely.
  • Weakness: Inability to use the affected arm effectively.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Injuries:

  • Fever: High fever, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
  • Headache: Persistent and severe headaches.
  • Seizures: New-onset seizures or changes in seizure patterns.
  • Confusion or altered mental state: Sudden changes in behavior, awareness, or cognitive function.

Remember, while most people tolerate vaccines well, it is crucial to stay informed about vaccine safety and be aware of potential adverse events like those listed above.

Understanding Common Vaccine Side Effects: What's Normal and What's Not

While vaccine injuries are rare, mild side effects are quite common after vaccination. These temporary reactions signal that your body's immune system responds and builds defenses against disease. 

While uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, these reactions typically subside within a few days and require no specific medical intervention. Here's a quick guide to differentiating common side effects from potential vaccine injuries:

Common Side Effects:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site: This is the most common side effect and usually improves within 1-2 days. For comfort, apply a cool, damp cloth to the area.
  • Fever: A mild fever is a normal reaction, indicating your immune system is working. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Remember to consult your doctor before administering any medication.
  • Fatigue: Feeling tired after vaccination is common and usually resolves within a day or two. Get plenty of rest and fluids to help your body recover.
  • Headache: Mild headaches can occur after vaccination. Over-the-counter pain relievers may offer relief. Always consult your doctor for persistent or severe headaches.
  • Muscle aches: Similar to fatigue, mild muscle aches are a common reaction and typically improve within a few days.

While these side effects can be unpleasant, they are usually harmless and resolve independently. However, it's crucial to distinguish them from potential vaccine injuries.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe allergic reactions: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face and throat, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
  • New-onset neurological symptoms: Seizures, confusion, or altered mental state.
  • Persistent or severe pain or swelling at the injection site.
  • Any concerning symptoms beyond the common side effects listed above.

Tips for Managing Common Side Effects:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to aid recovery.
  • Get plenty of rest: Allow your body time to adjust and build immunity.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing: Avoid constricting garments around the injection site.
  • Apply a cool compress: Use a damp cloth to soothe discomfort at the injection site.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: Manage fever, headaches, or muscle aches with medication approved by your doctor.

If you have concerns or experience unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.

Covered Vaccines Under the Table

In Column 1 of the Table, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program currently lists vaccines that are covered. The majority of these vaccines are recommended during the childhood vaccination schedule of which the program was originally created to cover. Below is a list of the aforementioned vaccines:

If you or someone close has recently received a vaccine, watch for any concerning symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.

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Understanding the Risk of Vaccine Reactions in Certain Individuals

According to the NCBI, trying to prevent vaccine reactions before they happen is tricky, especially when it comes to figuring out who might be at higher risk. Vaccines that contain live viruses aren't suitable for kids with specific immune system problems. But, detecting these issues often doesn't happen until after the recommended age to start vaccinations, which is around 2 months old, unless there's already a known case in the family. For example, some children with undiagnosed immune deficiencies might be at risk for developing serious conditions like vaccine-induced paralytic poliomyelitis, though it's rare.

It's worth noting that most people who experience severe reactions to vaccines can't be identified in advance through immune system testing. This includes the most rare instances where a vaccine might cause paralytic poliomyelitis. Right now, we don't have a reliable way to spot who might react badly to a vaccine ahead of time. This is partly because some reactions are unexpected and can vary from person to person.

This means that the best way to understand vaccine reactions and who might be at risk is through detailed scientific studies. In the past, there haven't been many of these studies, and the existing ones often give us broad estimates that aren't very precise. Also, just counting reports of reactions after vaccines doesn't give us clear or helpful information about how often these reactions actually happen.

Understanding the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

While vaccines are incredibly safe and effective, even rare vaccine injuries can occur. If you believe you or someone you love has been affected, understanding your rights and potential avenues for compensation is crucial. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a no-fault alternative to the traditional legal system for seeking compensation for vaccine-related injuries.

Who is eligible for the VICP?

  • Individuals who received a covered vaccine and suffered a listed injury
  • Survivors of someone who died after a covered vaccine and listed injury
  • Individuals with certain specific conditions linked to covered vaccines

It's important to note that the VICP has specific eligibility requirements and limitations. It's not intended to replace traditional legal action for all vaccine injuries.

Filing a claim with the VICP can involve intricate rules, deadlines, and evidence gathering. While you can file independently, seeking legal guidance from a lawyer experienced in vaccine injury law can significantly strengthen your claim and maximize your potential compensation.

What types of compensation are available?

The VICP can award compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs related to the injury.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the injury.
  • Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for physical and emotional pain.
  • Death benefits: Support for survivors if the injury resulted in death.

Why Choose Us for Your Vaccine Injury Case: More Than Just Compensation

While vaccine injuries are fortunately rare, navigating the legal complexities to secure compensation can be overwhelming. That's where our team of experienced vaccine injury lawyers comes in. We go far beyond simply maximizing your financial award; we fight tirelessly to ensure you receive justice and support every step of the way.

Unwavering Expertise in Vaccine Injury Law

Our legal team dedicates its practice exclusively to vaccine injury cases. This focused specialization equips us with an in-depth understanding of the intricate legal landscape, evolving case law, and nuanced evidentiary requirements specific to vaccine injury claims. This deep knowledge and experience are crucial for navigating the complexities of the VICP system and building a strong case on your behalf.

Gathering Evidence and Presenting Your Story

Proving a vaccine injury requires meticulous evidence gathering and compelling presentation. We excel at both. We'll work tirelessly to:

  • Secure your medical records and expert medical opinions to establish the link between the vaccine and your injury.
  • Gather witness testimonies and other supporting evidence to strengthen your claim.
  • Navigate the technicalities of the Vaccine Injury Table, ensuring eligibility and maximizing your potential compensation.
  • Present your case effectively to the VICP or in court, fighting for the best possible outcome tailored to your unique circumstances.

Compassionate Support Throughout Your Journey

Facing a vaccine injury can be emotionally and financially draining. We understand your challenges and are committed to providing compassionate and responsive legal representation throughout the process. We'll answer your questions, keep you informed of progress, and be readily available to address your concerns, ensuring you feel supported and empowered every step.

Don't settle for less than you deserve. Our dedication to vaccine injury law, meticulous evidence gathering, and unwavering support make us the ideal partner in your fight for justice and compensation. Schedule a free consultation today, and let us guide you through the complexities of your case with expertise, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of the best possible outcome.

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