Each year, we help numerous individuals and families across the country recover financial compensation for vaccine-related injuries and illnesses under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Last year was no different. Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to continue serving clients across the country remotely, and the federal Vaccine Court continued to process claims in an efficient manner. Here is a summary of our results in flu vaccine injury and other VICP claims in 2020:
1. We Recovered More than $7.1 Million in Compensation for Our Clients
In 2020, we secured more than $7.1 million in compensation for our clients through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Our clients’ average award was just over $107,000. The largest award we secured for a single client was $475,000 in a case involving Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) resulting from a flu shot. Thirty of our clients received awards of $100,000 or greater.
2. Almost 90 Percent of Our Cases Involved Flu Shot Injuries and Illnesses
Out of all of the VICP claims we handled in 2020, nearly 90 percent involved flu shot injuries and illnesses. This is consistent with years past and largely reflects the prevalence of the flu shot in the United States. In addition to flu vaccine injury claims, we also secured financial compensation for clients diagnosed with injuries related to:
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Meningococcal vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDAP) vaccine
3. Just Over 80 Percent of Our Cases Involved Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
Just over 80 percent of the VICP claims we handled in 2020 involved shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). This is also consistent with years past. While the vast majority of these SIRVA cases involved the annual flu shot, we were successful in securing compensation for clients diagnosed with SIRVA following other vaccinations as well. In addition to claims involving SIRVA, we also secured financial compensation for clients diagnosed with:
- Brachial neuritis
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Optic neuritis
4. A Substantial Majority of Our Clients Received Settlements Before Their Hearing
Seeking financial compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) involves filing a petition with the Vaccine Court in Washington D.C. While it is possible for VICP claims to go to hearings before Special Masters, it is also possible to negotiate pre-hearing settlements. As in prior years, the vast majority of our clients’ compensation awards in 2020 came via settlement.
Are you entitled to compensation for a vaccine injury or illness? To find out, you can read: Who Can File a Vaccine Injury Claim?
Contact Us about Filing a Flu Vaccine Injury or Other VICP Claim
We have already helped many individuals and families secure financial compensation in 2021, and we expect this to be an active year for VICP claims. If you would like to discuss your legal rights with an experienced vaccine attorney, we invite you to call 202-775-9200 or contact us online for a free consultation.