For individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, securing financial compensation often involves filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP). If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, here are seven key facts for you to know:
1. The NVICP is a Federal Government Program Created Specifically to Compensate Individuals Diagnosed with Vaccine Injuries
Congress established the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) in 1988 for the sole purpose of providing a source of financial compensation for individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. The NVICP is funded by a tax on vaccines, and it offers a time and cost-efficient alternative to filing a traditional lawsuit against a healthcare provider or pharmaceutical company.
2. The NVICP has Paid Nearly $4 Billion in Compensation to Vaccine Recipients
To date, the NVICP has paid nearly $4 billion in financial compensation to vaccine recipients. More than one-third of all claims filed under the NVICP have been compensated, for a total of approximately 6,500 successful claims (as of April 2019).
3. The NVICP Pays for Vaccine Recipients’ Medical Bills, Lost Wages, and Pain and Suffering
The NVICP pays compensation for three types of losses resulting from vaccine-related injuries and illnesses: (i) medical expenses, (ii) lost wages, and (iii) pain and suffering. This includes losses incurred through the date of filing as well as losses that the claimant is reasonably expected to incur in the future.
4. The NVICP Covers All Vaccine-Related Injuries and Illnesses
While there are less steps involved in securing compensation for injuries and illnesses listed on the NVICP’s Vaccine Injury Table, all vaccine-related injuries and illnesses are potentially eligible for compensation.
5. Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) Account for the Largest Percentage of NVICP Claims
According to a recent report, approximately half of all NVICP claims involve shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). These are injuries that result from an error during the immunization process rather than an adverse reaction to a vaccine ingredient.
6. Most NVICP Claims Involve Injuries from the Flu Shot and Tetanus Vaccines
Almost 45 percent of successful NVICP claims have involved injuries and illnesses resulting from flu shots. Another 20 percent of successful claims have involved injuries and illnesses resulting from the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. The remaining 35 percent of successful claims are split among a broad range of other types of vaccinations.
7. Most NVICP Claims Settle Out of Court
While some NVICP claims go to court, the majority of claims settle. Hiring an experienced vaccine lawyer can greatly improve your chances of securing a favorable settlement without the need to go to trial. Learn more: Choosing a Vaccine Lawyer: When, Why and How to Seek Legal Representation for Your VICP Claim.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant
Leah V. Durant is a national vaccine lawyer who has more than a decade of experience representing clients in VICP claims. If you have questions and would like to speak with Ms. Durant, you can call 202-800-1711 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation.
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.