Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a serious and potentially fatal medical condition that has been linked to the annual flu shot. GBS is an “on table” injury under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which means that many of the traditional barriers to recovering just compensation are removed. In this article, we provide an overview of what individuals and families need to know about filing GBS and flu vaccine claims under the VICP.
GBS and Flu Vaccine Claims: Seeking Compensation Under the VICP
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is a tax-funded federal government program that makes compensation available to individuals and families who are affected by vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. However, unlike well-known federal programs such as Medicaid and Social Security, securing compensation under the VICP involves filing a petition in court. Government attorneys will review your petition, and they will challenge it if it doesn’t meet the VICP’s requirements.
With this in mind, here are some important facts to know about filing a VICP claim for GBS:
1. GBS is an “On Table” Injury
As we mentioned above, GBS is an “on table” injury under the VICP. In order to recover compensation for an “on table” injury, all you need to prove is that (i) you are eligible to file a claim, (ii) you (or your loved one) began experiencing symptoms of GBS between three and 42 days following vaccination, and (iii) the deadline to file your claim hasn’t expired. You do not need to be able to prove that a nurse, doctor, or pharmaceutical company made a mistake that led to your (or your loved one’s) GBS.
2. Most Successful VICP Claims Settle
While government attorneys will review your claim and challenge it if it doesn’t meet the VICP’s requirements, most successful claims are resolved via settlement. If you can clearly establish your right to compensation and the amount you are entitled to recover, you may be able to obtain a settlement before your claim goes to court.
3. More Than Half of All Successful VICP Claims Have Involved Flu Shot Illnesses and Injuries
Of the more than 8,000 successful claims filed under the VICP, more than half have involved illnesses and injuries resulting from the annual flu shot. This includes numerous successful claims for GBS resolved via settlement.
4. You Can Hire a Lawyer at No Cost
You can hire a lawyer to handle your VICP claim at no cost. The VICP pays claimants’ legal fees separately from their awards of financial compensation. As a result, if you are thinking about filing a claim, you have no reason not to speak with a lawyer who has specific and substantial experience obtaining compensation for GBS under the VICP.
Speak with Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant for Free
Vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant has helped numerous individuals and families secure compensation for GBS and flu vaccine claims under the VICP. If you would like to discuss your legal rights with Ms. Durant in confidence, please call 202-800-1711 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.
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.