Illinois Vaccine Injury Lawyer

Flu Shot Vaccine Injuries and more.

Receive expert representation from the attorneys at My Vaccine Lawyer, who 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 represent vaccine injury clients 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 can represent you. We have litigated every imaginable issue in the vaccine program. We understand how to maximize damages for our clients and fight for the full compensation allowed under the program. 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.

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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, and mass torts. 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 Lawyer every year since 2014

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
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
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

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.

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

Illinois’ large population and high vaccination rates contribute to the steady flow of federal claims filed each year. Millions of flu shot and Tdap appointments take place across Cook County, DuPage, Lake County, and communities throughout the state, and patterns in the vaccine injury compensation program reflect that scale. Many Illinois residents later learn that persistent shoulder pain, reduced mobility, or neurological symptoms may qualify for a vaccine injury claim under federal law.

The vaccine injury compensation program has awarded about $5.6 billion to injured petitioners nationwide, and Illinois vaccine injury cases remain a significant part of that total due to the state’s vaccination volume.

✔ The VICP pays our fees directly, so you never pay us.
✔ No requirement to prove negligence
✔ Claims handled remotely across all Illinois counties

A quick stop for a vaccination at a Chicago pharmacy, a Peoria clinic, or a community event in Rock Island can unexpectedly lead to shoulder injury, neurological symptoms, or another adverse reaction. People across Illinois often discover that a vaccine injury claim is available even when no one mentioned the federal program during vaccination.

Serving all 102 Illinois counties — no travel required.
More than 5,000 clients represented nationwide by our legal team.
Speak directly with an experienced vaccine injury attorney during your free consultation.

Could Your Vaccine Injury Have Happened in Illinois?

Illinois’ vaccination landscape plays a direct role in the number of federal vaccine injury cases filed by residents each year. Pharmacies, workplace clinics, university health centers, and community events across the state administer thousands of vaccines daily, and many appointments occur in high-volume settings where shoulder injury or other adverse reactions can develop unexpectedly.

Common indicators Illinois residents 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 following vaccination

A vaccine injury attorney reviews each detail to determine whether the claim meets federal standards for compensation, and many Illinois cases qualify even when the vaccination felt routine at the time.

Meet Our Founders

Illinois Vaccine Injury Lawyers

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

Many federal vaccine injury claims filed by Illinois residents involve shoulder pain or limited movement that began soon after a flu shot or another routine vaccination. People often reach out once they realize the discomfort is not resolving and now interferes with lifting, reaching, sleeping, or completing basic tasks.

Clients frequently report that:

Pain began 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 these symptoms meet federal timing and severity standards, and the process does not require proving that a provider made an error during vaccine administration.

Who Can File a Vaccine Injury Claim in Illinois?

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

The injury lasted more than six months after the vaccination
It resulted in inpatient hospitalization and surgical intervention
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

Common Vaccine Injuries We Handle for Illinois 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 and hepatitis vaccines

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

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. The VICP is federal, so Illinois residents can file no matter which U.S. state they were vaccinated in. Vaccines given outside the U.S. are generally not covered, apart from narrow exceptions.

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. The VICP pays our attorney's fees directly, separate from your award, and by law we can't charge you any other fee.

5

Compensation

Eligible damages include pain and suffering, medical costs (including ongoing care in severe cases), and lost wages. Typical SIRVA settlements range from $30,000–$90,000 for non-surgical cases; $100,000–$200,000 for surgical cases. Every case is different, and past results don't guarantee a similar outcome.

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.

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 no later than 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?

Pain and suffering (up to $250,000)
Death benefit of $250,000 to the estate
Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Attorney fees and costs (paid by the program, not taken from your award)

How long do Illinois VICP cases typically take?

It is difficult to predict how long a claim will take. It depends on the complexity of the case and the issues involved, as well as the position the government takes on the case. Some cases can resolve as quickly as 18 months. Other more complicated cases can take 3-4 years or more depending on various factors.

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?

Under the Vaccine Act, the program pays reasonable attorneys' fees and costs directly, on top of any compensation you receive. They may be paid even if a claim is unsuccessful, as long as it was filed in good faith with a reasonable basis. By law, we can't charge you any other fee, including a percentage of your award.

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.