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
Tag Archives: U.S. Court of Federal Claims
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
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
How Do You File a Successful Vaccine Injury Claim?
The costs of a vaccine injury can be substantial. In addition to financial costs such as medical bills and loss of income, individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related medical conditions can experience chronic pain and long-term suffering. As a result, filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) can be an important part of the recovery process. In this article, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant offers some tips for filing a successful vaccine injury claim. Continue reading
Tetanus Vaccine Injury Claims Under the VICP
Tetanus is among the many diseases for which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend routine vaccination. Like all CDC-recommended vaccines, the tetanus vaccines (including DTaP, DTP, DT, Td and TT) are generally considered safe, but they present risks for certain injuries and illnesses in a very small percentage of cases. In this article, vaccine lawyer Leah Durant explains the process of seeking compensation for tetanus vaccine injuries under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Continue reading
HRSA: These Three Factors Influence Settlement Decisions for Vaccine Injury Claims
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) provides compensation to individuals and families who are coping with the effects of vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. It is administered by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). HRSA publishes a monthly Data & Statistics report with information about claims filed under the VICP; and, on the introductory page of the report, it outlines three factors that influence decisions regarding settlement. Continue reading
What Happens When You File a Vaccine Injury Claim Under the VICP?
While the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal benefit program, securing compensation under the VICP is wholly unlike seeking benefits under Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security. In order to seek compensation for a vaccine injury, you must file a petition in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (which is also known as the Vaccine Court), and you must be prepared to litigate your claim if necessary. However, many VICP claims settle; and, if you hire an experienced vaccine injury lawyer to represent you, you may be able to obtain a fair settlement without the need to argue your case in the Vaccine Court. Continue reading
What Do You Need to Know Before You File a Vaccine Injury Claim?
Filing a successful vaccine injury claim is not easy. It requires time, patience and a thorough understanding of the federal laws that apply. It also requires you to act promptly, and you need to know what to expect – and how to respond – at each stage of the process. In this article, vaccine injury lawyer Leah V. Durant provides an overview of what you need to know before you file a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Continue reading
When Should Pain Go Away After a Flu Shot?
Getting the annual flu shot provides important protection for you and those around you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that, “[a] flu vaccine is the first and best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others,” and it recommends that almost everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated against influenza each year.
The annual flu shot has a handful of potential side effects, but the CDC describes these side effects as “generally mild.” These side effects include, “[s]oreness, redness and/or swelling from the shot.” Continue reading