The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) serves as a source of financial recovery for vaccine recipients and families who are coping with the effects of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. While the VICP is a federal government program, obtaining compensation is not as simple as filing an application for benefits. Instead, claimants must file a petition in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (also known as the “Vaccine Court”), and they must present sufficient evidence to prove that they qualify for compensation under the program. Both of these are steps that require the advice and representation of an experienced vaccine lawyer. Continue reading
Author Archives: Leah Durant
The CDC is Still Encouraging Vaccination for the 2021-2022 Flu Season
While many people think of Spring as the end of flu season, the United States flu season doesn’t actually end until May. Additionally, even once flu season is over, getting the flu remains a possibility—and it can potentially be dangerous for individuals in high-risk populations. As a result, as the end of the 2021-2022 flu season nears, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are still encouraging vaccination against influenza. Here is some important information for individuals who have questions about influenza vaccination or concerns about getting a flu vaccine injury. Continue reading
Is It Worth Filing a Vaccine Injury Claim?
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has issued compensation awards to nearly 9,000 claimants since its establishment in 1988. However, more than half of all claims filed under the program have been denied. With this in mind, is it worth filing a claim if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a vaccine-related injury or illness? If so, is it worth hiring a vaccine injury lawyer to represent you? Continue reading
Your Family’s Legal Rights After a Fatal Vaccine Injury
Since Congress established the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in 1988, less than 1,500 families have filed claims related to fatal vaccine injuries. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also indicate that vaccine-related deaths are rare. But, when these deaths occur, they are tragic regardless of the specific circumstances involved. Continue reading
Should I Hire a Lawyer if I Have a Flu Vaccine Injury?
Each year, more than 100 million people in the United States get a flu shot. Of these flu shot recipients, only an extremely small percentage are diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries. But, while these injuries are rare, they do happen.
If you have been diagnosed with a flu vaccine injury, you should speak with a lawyer about your legal rights. Continue reading
2021 Year In Review: What We Learned about Vaccine Injuries and VICP Claims
It’s hard to believe that 2021 is already coming to a close. While the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines dominated most of the vaccine-related headlines during the year, there were some notable stories unrelated to the pandemic as well. Here is a look back at some of the topics we covered and the information we shared throughout the year: Continue reading
My Shoulder Hurts – Do I Have a Vaccine Injury Claim?
Mild shoulder pain is a common side effect of most CDC-recommended vaccinations. The CDC advises that this pain should typically go away within a couple of days at most, and vaccine recipients generally should not experience any lingering or long-term effects. But, what if your shoulder pain isn’t “mild”? Or, what if it doesn’t go away? In some cases, vaccinations can cause shoulder injuries, and individuals who experience severe pain or other symptoms should both see a doctor and talk to a vaccine lawyer right away. Continue reading
What Injury Risks are Associated with the Rotavirus Vaccine?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the rotavirus vaccine for infants beginning at two months of age—with limited exceptions. While the approved rotavirus vaccines (RotaTeq and Rotarix) are generally considered safe, vaccine injuries still occur in a small percentage of cases. Learn what parents need to know about these risks from national vaccine injury attorney Leah V. Durant.
Mild Risks Associated with the Rotavirus Vaccine
Like all vaccines, the rotavirus vaccine carries a risk for certain side effects. The CDC classifies these side effects as “mild,” and they generally are not classified as vaccine injuries on their own. However, these side effects can also be symptoms of the vaccine injuries discussed below; and, as a result, parents whose children experience these side effects should monitor their children closely and seek medical attention promptly if necessary: Continue reading
Don’t Wait to Seek Help if You Have Concerns about a Vaccine Injury
Of the hundreds of millions of doses of vaccines administered in the United States each year, only an extremely small portion result in injuries and illnesses. In 2020, just 1,192 petitioners filed claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). With that said, if you have concerns about a vaccine-related injury or illness, you should take your situation seriously, and you should consult with both a doctor and a vaccine lawyer promptly. Continue reading
Which CDC-Recommended Vaccines Are (and Aren’t) Covered Under the Vaccine Program?
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) pays compensation to eligible claimants who have been diagnosed with injuries and illnesses related to many CDC-recommended vaccinations. However, not all CDC-recommended vaccinations are covered. In this article, vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant discusses which vaccines are covered, which ones are not covered, and what you can do if your vaccine isn’t covered under the VICP. Continue reading