2021 Mid-Year Statistics from the VICP

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already halfway through 2021. Despite the continuing pandemic, it has been a busy year for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Through June 1, the VICP is on pace to issue the highest number of compensation awards in its history, and it is also on pace to see the most filings ever in a single year. In this article, vaccine injury attorney Leah V. Durant discusses some of the most notable statistics from the latest VICP Data & Statistics Report issued by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Several Records Could Be Set in 2021

Based on the HRSA’s June 1 data, we could see several new records set in 2021. For example, if filings and compensation awards continue at their current pace for the remainder of the year, the following records will be broken:

  • Most Claims Filed in a Single Year – The most claims filed under the VICP in a single year was 2,592. This record was set in 2003. Through June 1, a total of 1,753 petitioners have filed claims, setting a pace for a total of more than 4,200 claims filed by the end of 2021.
  • Most Claims Compensated in a Single Year – The most claims compensated under the VICP in a single year was 734. This record was set just last year. Through June 1, a total of 453 petitioners have received awards, setting a pace for a total of just under 1,090 compensated awards by the end of 2021.
  • Most Compensation Awarded in a Single Year – The most compensation awarded under the VICP in a single year was $254.6 million—awarded to 375 petitioners in 2013. Through June 1, the VICP has paid out $129.6 million in compensation, setting a pace for a total of more than $311 million by the end of 2021.

As you can see, not only are these records potentially going to be broken in 2021, but they are potentially going to be broken by a significant margin. If the forecasts listed above prove accurate, the average VICP award in 2021 would be approximately $288,000. This would not be a record, but it would be among the highest averages in recent years.

More Than Half of All Successful VICP Claims Have Involved Flu Shot Injuries and Illnesses

While the VICP covers most of the vaccines that the CDC recommends for regular administration in the United States, more than half of all successful VICP claims have involved flu shot injuries and illnesses. Of the 8,0888 claims compensated through June 1, 2021, 4,158 have involved claims related to influenza immunizations.

Speak with Vaccine Injury Attorney Leah V. Durant

If you would like to know more about the VICP or have questions about filing a claim under the program, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. To speak with vaccine injury attorney Leah V. Durant in confidence, call 202-800-1711 or tell us how we can reach you online now.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.