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).

When to File a VICP Claim for a Tetanus Vaccine Injury

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program makes compensation available to tetanus vaccine recipients and parents of children who receive tetanus vaccines. It specifically covers the following injuries and illnesses resulting from DTaP, DTP, DT, Td and TT vaccinations:

  • Anaphylaxis
  • Brachial neuritis
  • Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
  • Vasovagal syncope

The VICP also specifically covers encephalopathy and encephalitis resulting from DTP, DTaP and DTP-Hib vaccinations. Other injuries and illnesses resulting from tetanus vaccines may also qualify for compensation under the VICP, though additional steps are involved in filing a claim.

Following a tetanus vaccine injury diagnosis, it is important to begin the VICP claim process as soon as possible. While the statute of limitations for VICP claims is three years from the date of the first onset or manifestation of symptoms, there are several reasons to get started right away.

How to File a VICP Claim for a Tetanus Vaccine Injury

Seeking compensation for a tetanus vaccine injury starts with filing a formal petition in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (the “Vaccine Court”). While the VICP is a federal government program that provides compensation on a “no-fault” basis, filing a VICP claim is still an adversarial process. Government attorneys will review your claim; and, if they do not believe that an award of compensation is warranted, they will dispute your claim in the Vaccine Court.

Due to the challenges involved in filing a successful VICP claim, most claimants hire a lawyer to represent them. The VICP pays claimants’ legal fees separately from their compensation awards, so you can hire a lawyer to handle your tetanus vaccine injury claim at no cost.

Compensation Available in VICP Tetanus Vaccine Injury Claims

For vaccine recipients and parents who qualify, the VICP provides four primary types of financial compensation. If your VICP claim is successful, you can receive monetary compensation for your (or your child’s):

  • Medical bills for diagnosis and treatment
  • Other out-of-pocket costs (including transportation and prescription costs)
  • Loss of income and future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering (up to a maximum of $250,000)

Schedule a Free Consultation with Vaccine Lawyer Leah Durant

Are you eligible to receive compensation for a tetanus vaccine injury under the VICP? To find out, schedule a free consultation with vaccine lawyer Leah Durant. To discuss your legal rights in confidence as soon as possible, 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.