The U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) published year-end statistics for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) on January 1, 2022. Since the VICP operates on a fiscal year, the 2021 year-end data include claims from the first quarter of FY 2022. In this article, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant highlights some notable figures from the HRSA’s report:
After Three Years of Decline, VICP Compensation Climbed Significantly in 2021
The VICP had a banner year in 2017 when it paid more than $252 million in financial compensation to vaccine recipients and their families. However, from 2018 through 2020, the total compensation awarded declined each year.
In 2021, we saw this trend reverse. While the VICP paid just under $187 million in 2020, it paid more than $208 million in 2021. This was the fourth-highest annual figure from the last decade.
Total Compensation Awarded Under the VICP has Surpassed $4.3 Billion
Including claims from the 2022 fiscal year, the total compensation awarded under the VICP has surpassed $4.3 billion. This does not include compensation paid to claimants’ attorneys, which brings the VICP’s total outlays to $4.7 billion since 1989. With a total of 8,504 compensated cases, this means that the average payout under the VICP since its founding is slightly over half a million dollars.
Notably, this all-time average is significantly above the average payout figures in recent years. For example:
FY 2021 average payout: $289,650
FY 2020 average payout: $254,925
FY 2019 average payout: $300,486
The Vaccine Court Dismissed More Claims than Usual in 2021
Also noteworthy is the fact that the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (also known as the Vaccine Court) dismissed more claims than usual in 2021. During the 2021 fiscal year, the Vaccine Court dismissed 241 claims—the highest total since 2013. This increase coincided with an overall increase in the number of claims processed during the year.
The VICP Received a Near-Record Number of Claims in 2021
According to the HRSA, the VICP received 2,057 new claims in 2021. This is the third-highest total on record and the highest since 2003. It also represents a 72-percent increase over the number of claims filed in 2020 (which only dropped slightly from 2019). It is unclear what accounts for this significant increase, although growing awareness of the VICP is likely a factor.
Flu Shot Injury Claims Remain the Most Common By Far
Of the 23,332 claims filed under the VICP since its establishment, more than a third (8,104) have involved flu shot injuries. Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine (i.e. DTP and Tdap) claims come in second, followed by claims involving the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Request a Free Consultation with Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant
Do you have a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)? To find out, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant. Call 202-800-1711 to request an appointment, or send us a message online and we will respond promptly.
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.