Still Have Questions?

• Are there vaccine injuries for children?

  When a child is injured by a vaccine, the legal path is the same federal process but with extra safeguards. A parent or guardian files the petitioner's claim on the child’s behalf in the Court of Federal Claims. The case is reviewed by a Special Master under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, using medical records and expert reports to measure both the injury and its impact on the child’s future.

  Why do you need a specialized vaccine injury lawyer for your child’s injury?

  Children’s claims often involve MMR, DPT, flu, or hepatitis vaccines given during routine administration. We’ve handled cases where a shoulder injury stopped a teenager from playing sports for a year, or where a neurological reaction led to months of therapy and school absences. Every file shows how quickly a reaction can reshape family life.

  Our attorneys focus on long-term outcomes: rehabilitation, missed schooling, and future earning potential. We prepare medical and economic evidence supporting each claim and file it in good faith so the family keeps the entire awarded compensation.

  At My Vaccine Lawyer, we treat these cases with urgency and respect. Parents get direct contact with the attorney handling the claim, and we keep communication clear. For details on recognized injuries and timelines, see our guide to the Vaccine Injury Table.

  If your child has suffered a serious adverse reaction after vaccination, contact us today. We’ll review medical records, confirm eligibility, and explain how federal law protects children under this compensation program.

• How is the Vaccine Injury Compensation trust fund supported?

  The VICP was created by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (Vaccine Act) to address increasing lawsuits that threatened the nation's vaccine supply. The trust fund is financed through a small excise tax on each produced dose of a covered vaccine. This fund holds billions of dollars set aside to pay vaccine injury claims. Because compensation and attorney fees come from the fund, individuals can rest assured they will receive their full award without straining federal resources.

• What happens after my attorney files a petition in the Court of Federal Claims?

  Once the petition is filed, a Special Master’s decision determines whether the evidence shows that a vaccine caused the injury. The process takes place in a United States court specifically designated for these cases, separate from civil courts. The federal government reviews the claim through the Department of Health and Human Services and its Health Resources division. If compensation is awarded, it comes from a federal trust—not from the manufacturer or doctor.

• How does the program handle cases involving children and childhood vaccines?

  Children’s claims follow the same legal framework as adult claims but often require different medical evidence. Most petitions involve childhood vaccines such as the MMR vaccine, DPT vaccine (which protects against whooping cough), or human papillomavirus (HPV) shots. The focus is on documenting developmental, physical, or neurological changes and proving that they meet the legal standard for injury. The goal is always to compensate individuals fairly while supporting long-term care and recovery.

• How does this program differ from filing a personal injury or civil lawsuit?

  Traditional personal injury cases require proving negligence through the traditional tort system. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is different, it removes the need for a civil lawsuit entirely. Instead, cases are handled in federal court, reviewed by medical experts, and decided on medical evidence rather than fault. This design protects both vaccine access and the nation’s public health, while ensuring fair outcomes for those injured.

• What happens if my claim isn’t successful?

  Even unsuccessful claims can qualify for reimbursement of legal fees if filed in good faith and supported by a reasonable basis. That means you can pursue a claim without financial risk. The federal government covers attorney costs so people with legitimate injuries aren’t discouraged from seeking justice.

• How much compensation do successful petitioners usually receive?

  Each award depends on the injury’s impact. The average award changes from year to year, reflecting the seriousness of conditions and medical costs involved. Certain vaccines have set presumptive injuries that lead to faster resolution. Payments include reimbursement for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost income. Every dollar is paid from the federal trust, following the Special Master’s decision, under standards set by the Department of Health and Human Services.