There is no doubt that vaccines have drastically cut down on the number of infectious diseases throughout the world. Of course, anyone who has had vaccines understands that there are some mild side effects related to getting injections. The CDC maintains a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Individuals who suffer side effects from vaccines are encouraged to report those issues to the VAERS. Last year more than 40,000 people reported incidents involving adverse effects of vaccinations. However, the vast majority of those reports included mild effects such as sore arms, crying, irritability, and fevers. Those minor side effects account for anywhere from 85% to 90% of reports received by the VAERS. The other side effects were more severe and included hospitalizations, life-threatening illnesses, fatalities, and permanent disabilities.
If you or a loved one suffered severe side effects or injuries as a result of the vaccine, you might be entitled to compensation for the harm caused by that vaccination. It is important to understand your legal options for pursuing a claim following a vaccine-related injury. At the Durham Law Group, our attorneys stand ready to help individuals who sustained severe injuries and harm as a result of vaccinations. Call us at 813-333-6250 to speak to a dedicated Tampa vaccination injury attorney.
Common Vaccination Injuries
One common and severe vaccine side effect is Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This condition can result from flu vaccines and can lead to tingling and weakness in an individual’s lower limbs. Over time, those symptoms may become more severe and can lead to paralysis and life-threatening symptoms. Other injuries caused by vaccinations include seizures, shoulder injuries, paralysis, chronic arthritis, encephalopathy, anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, transverse myelitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, narcolepsy, trauma, hospitalization, surgery, among other reactions and conditions.
It is important to note that only certain types of injuries will qualify for compensation following a vaccination. Of course, the vaccination itself will result in some minor pain, bruising, and other related symptoms. To collect compensation through the national vaccine injury compensation program, a person’s claim must include an injury that led to symptoms for more than six months following the injection or vaccination, or the injury must have resulted in the need for an inpatient hospitalization, surgery, or resulted in death.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Covers Most Vaccines
In the United States, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program can provide compensation to individuals injured by many common vaccines. Vaccines that are eligible for compensation through the program include the majority of those that are routinely administered to Americans, including the following:
- Diphtheria
- Flu vaccines
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Haemophilus influenza type b polysaccharide conjugate
- Measles
- Mumps
- Meningococcal
- Pertussis
- Pneumococcal conjugate
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Varicella
To learn more about vaccinations that are covered by the program and potential compensation for vaccination injuries, contact a Tampa, Florida personal injury attorney.
Time Limits on Filing Claims
Individuals injured by vaccines are subject to time limits for filing claims for compensation. If a person is injured, the limitation will prevent claims filed more than three years after the onset of the first symptom or significant aggravation from the injury. If a victim died as a result of the vaccination, the limitation on filing a claim is two years from the date of that death, within the four years of the first symptom or significant aggravation of that injury. There are some exceptions, such as when new vaccinations or injuries are included in those covered by the program. To learn more about your options for filing a vaccination injury claim, contact of Tampa, Florida personal injury attorney.
What Can a Vaccine Injury Victim Recover?
A successful claim for compensation following a vaccine injury will recover many of the related losses stemming from that incident. The victim will be able to receive compensation for medical and rehabilitative care and expenses that were not otherwise reimbursed. No limit is created on these damages, which are calculated based on the need for medical care. Pain and suffering damages can amount to up to $250,000. Additionally, in the event of a fatal vaccine injury, the estate may recover $250,000 in death benefits. Lost earnings, reasonable attorney fees, and other costs affiliated with filing the claim may also be recoverable to the victim and their family.
It is important to have a professional legal advocate to help you through this process. Although this system is designed to provide an alternate means of compensation outside of the court system, these claims are often highly contentious. Victims are subjected to a great deal of push back from the government agencies responsible for handling such claims.
Call the Durham Law Group After a Vaccination Injury in Tampa
If you or a loved one sustained severe injuries as the result of a vaccination, contact the Durham Law Group. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys can help you obtain compensation for those injuries that will help you and your family heal and move on from the damage caused. Call us today at 813-333-6250 for a consultation with an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney.
