What to Do if You or Someone You Love is Diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome Following a Flu Vaccination
Although reported cases remain relatively rare, awareness of the link between Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and the flu shot is growing. Our firm has helped clients obtain compensation for vaccine-related GBS, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has proposed adding GBS to the Vaccine Injury Table – an official record of recognized medical conditions associated with certain vaccines.
If you or someone you love one has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, it is important to determine whether you or your loved one’s condition is related to the flu vaccination. If it was, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Individuals diagnosed with GBS often face substantial medical bills and other losses, and pursuing a claim under the VICP provides a no-cost opportunity to recover the compensation they need to move on with their lives.
Protecting Your Right to Compensation for Vaccine-Related GBS
Here are four steps to protect your right to compensation for Guillain-Barre Syndrome that results following a flu vaccination:
1. Make Sure Your Medical Records Reflect Recent Vaccinations
Discuss your recent vaccination history with your medical provider to help determine whether your condition may be related to the flu vaccine. If you did not mention your flu shot, your doctor may not have thought to ask, and discussing your recent history of vaccination may help ensure that your medical records reflect the link between your immunization and your disease.
2. Collect Your Records and Receipts
In addition to obtaining copies of your updated medical records, you should also keep copies of your medical bills, statements of benefits, prescription receipts and any other records of expenses related to your GBS. You should also try to track down any records or receipts showing the date and location where you received your flu shot.
3. Learn More About the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is a unique federal program that entitles individuals who have been diagnosed with vaccine-related illnesses to secure financial compensation for their medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. While individuals have the option to file a VICP claim without the assistance of an attorney, DHHS strongly recommends that petitioners hire a qualified vaccine attorney to represent their interests. In addition, under the legislation governing the VICP, individuals are entitled to legal representation of their choice at no financial cost to them.
Learn more about your rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
4. Speak with an Experienced Vaccine Attorney
You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. So, if you think you may have a claim (or if you are not sure and would like to find out), you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. At Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, we offer free consultations; and are available to represent you to protect your legal rights.
Contact Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates for a Free Consultation
For more information about seeking compensation for Guillain-Barre Syndrome that results following a flu shot, contact our offices and request your free, no-obligation consultation with vaccine attorney Leah Durant. You can call us nationwide at (202) 775-9200, or contact us online and we will be in touch as soon as possible.