The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal government program that provides compensation to individuals who have been diagnosed with vaccine injuries and illnesses. It also provides compensation to parents and other eligible family members for claims involving injuries to children and deaths resulting from vaccine-related medical conditions. The VICP’s fiscal year ended on September 1, 2020. Here, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant takes a look at the data from claims filed and adjudicated during the year.
1. Number of Claims Filed
During its 2020 fiscal year, 1,037 claims were filed with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This represents a fairly significant drop from 2019 (in which 1,282 claims were filed), and it is the lowest number of new filings since 2015.
While the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), which administers the VICP, does not provide an explanation for this drop in filings, it appears likely that it is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In any case, the VICP has a three-year statute of limitations, so anyone who was diagnosed with a covered vaccine injury or illness in 2020 still has time to file.
2. Number of Claims Adjudicated
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) adjudicated 798 claims during its 2020 fiscal year, which represents a slight drop from 2019 (in which 822 claims were adjudicated), but still a significant increase from 2018 (in which 743 claims were adjudicated). Of the 798 VICP claims adjudicated in 2020, 618 resulted in awards of compensation, while 180 were deemed non-compensable.
Among the 618 VICP claims compensated in 2020, 238 claims were conceded, 340 were resolved via settlement and just 40 were resolved by court decision.
3. Number of Claims Pending
As of September 1, 2020 (the end of the VICP’s 2020 fiscal year), 970 claims were pending medical review. Medical review is one of the first stages of the federal government’s evaluation of claims filed under the program. While some of these claims are simply in the queue, several of these claims have also been delayed as a result of failure to submit adequate medical evidence. Ensuring that you submit the evidence required in order to have your claim processed on time is just one of several ways a lawyer can help when you have a claim under the VICP.
4. Adult vs. Child Vaccine Injury Claims
The vast majority of claims filed under the VICP are filed on behalf of adults who have been diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. Of the 1,037 claims filed in 2020, 940 were filed on behalf of adults, while just 97 were filed on behalf of children. For more information about adult and childhood vaccination risks, you can read:
Do You Have a VICP Claim? Contact Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant
Are you entitled to financial compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)? To find out, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant. You can reach us by phone at 202-800-1711, or contact us online and we will be in touch with you shortly.
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.