Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) can take a variety of forms, each with its own effects and long-term prognosis. While most people diagnosed with SIRVA will eventually recover, recovery options vary, and a person’s individual health profile can have a significant impact on the challenges, costs and duration of the recovery process.
Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), a SIRVA diagnosis has both medical and legal implications. While everyone’s circumstances are unique, here are some general steps that can aid in the medical and financial recovery processes:
1. Follow Your Doctor’s Medical Advice
First, and perhaps most importantly, once you have been diagnosed with a vaccine-related shoulder injury it is important that you follow your doctor’s advice. Treatment options for SIRVA can range from rest to physical therapy and from pain medications to steroid injections, and foregoing treatment or resuming physical activity too soon could be detrimental to your health and your VICP claim.
2. Talk to Your Doctor about Future Vaccinations
Being diagnosed with SIRVA following a vaccination can understandably make you wary of seeking future immunizations. But, studies have proven the benefits of vaccinations, and you should consult your physician before making any decisions that could have health consequences for you and your loved ones.
3. Learn about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
Established in 1988, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has paid more than $3.6 billion to individuals diagnosed with SIRVA and other vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. Filing a VICP claim is very different from suing a vaccine manufacturer in court, and you could receive compensation for your shoulder injury in as little as a few months.
Learn more about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
4. Discuss Your VICP Claim with a Vaccine Attorney
While the VICP is designed to make it easier for individuals diagnosed with SIRVA to recover financial compensation, filing a VICP claim is still a legal process with long-term (and potentially life-changing) implications. As a result, as noted by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), “most people hire a lawyer.”
Since the VICP pays claimants’ legal fees, hiring a vaccine attorney involves little or no out-of-pocket cost. This starts with your free initial consultation, and continues all the way through the final settlement or court decision in your case.
5. Make Sure You Don’t Wait Too Long
While you have three years to file a SIRVA claim with the VICP, you need to be able to demonstrate that your symptoms began within 48 hours of your vaccination in order to file the case as an “on-table” claim. There are many other reasons to act quickly as well, and unnecessary delays are among the most-common mistakes that can jeopardize VICP claims.
Speak with National Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant
Are you entitled to compensation for SIRVA under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)? To find out, we encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation. To speak with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant in confidence, call (202) 775-9200 or request an appointment online today.
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 the other attorneys in her firm 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.