Still Have Questions?

• If studies say there is neither a causative relationship nor conclusive proof, does that hurt my case?

  Not necessarily. When a study concludes there is neither a causative relationship, it usually means the data was not strong enough to make a universal statement—not that the event did not occur. Legal claims under VICP rely on individual medical records, not only large-scale data. The control group, statistical analysis, and search strategy behind these papers affect their outcome—but your personal medical evidence carries more weight in court.

• What does ‘further research is needed’ actually mean for vaccine injury claims?

  It means this injury is being taken seriously enough to study—and that works in your favor. Ongoing further research into SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, especially involving Bell’s Palsy, helps build recognition. Trials from groups like Harvard Medical School, reports using the quality assessment tool, and reviews by the World Health Organization all contribute to the growing medical record. When attorneys file claims for immune mediated neurological events, citing these sources supports your case’s plausibility.

• What if my facial paralysis was bilateral or lasted longer than a few weeks?

  Bilateral facial palsy or prolonged symptoms are both legally significant. Most cases are one-sided and resolve within weeks. If yours involved both sides or showed signs of relapse, your claim reflects a more serious event. These cases are backed by stronger precedent and carry higher value in compensation due to the increased impact and recovery time.

• Does the brand of vaccine I received (e.g., Oxford-AstraZeneca) matter in my legal claim?

  The VICP does not limit claims by brand. Oxford AstraZeneca has been associated with rare adverse events, but so have mRNA vaccines. What matters is whether Bell’s Palsy following COVID-19 vaccination is medically documented and fits the expected pattern in timing and diagnosis. That is what qualifies a case—not manufacturer.

• Could my Bell’s Palsy be part of something bigger, like an autoimmune neurological syndrome?

  It could. In some patients, Bell’s Palsy appears alone. In others, it can indicate broader autoimmune neurological syndromes or be part of a post-SARS-CoV-2 infection response. These are treated differently by neurologists and lawyers alike. Your attorney should screen for these possibilities to determine if the injury stands alone—or as part of a wider set of neurological complications tied to vaccination.