Children are injured in many different ways. When a child is injured by something that is supposed to protect them, it is particularly disturbing. Unfortunately, although a rare occurrence, these are the circumstances in vaccine injury cases that involve children. A good example is the case of an 11 year old Arkansas girl that suffered serious side effects as a result of the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and Tdap (meningococcal, hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccinations. Prior to receiving the vaccines on October 13, 2010, the girl was healthy, enjoyed sports and art. Approximately four days later, the girl woke up with a strange sensation in her leg. Within a few hours, the sensations had progressed to tingling and numbness in both legs. She became unable to walk and was transported by her parents to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. At the hospital, her condition continued to worsen. By the early afternoon of the same day the girl was paralyzed from her waist area down and could not control her urinary or bowel functions.
The girl was soon diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a serious side effect of inoculations. This medical condition, which affects the spinal cord, can cause a variety of symptoms including pain, paralysis, and the loss of bowel and bladder control. The girl underwent treatment for the condition but did not make any improvement. She is now wheelchair bound and depends on her parents to use the bathroom and complete other daily tasks.
The girl’s parents filed a timely claim with the National Vaccine Injury Program. They advanced a number of theories relating to the vaccine to explain the girl’s injuries. Based on the evidence provided, the judge decided that the girl’s injuries were a direct result of the HPV and Tdap vaccines she received in October of 2010. The parties are now involved in calculating damages. Due to the girl’s young age and the severity of her injuries, financial damages have the potential to be significant in this case.
If your child has suffered injuries after receiving a vaccination, call attorney Leah Durant at (202)800-1711 for a free consultation today.