The U.S. Government created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in 1988 to provide financial compensation for those who have been injured after receiving a government-mandated vaccine. This applies only to vaccines given after October 1, 1988. The funds in the program also go toward ensuring that there is enough of a supply of vaccines and that they are administered at a reasonable cost to citizens.

What are the steps to filing a claim?

You can choose to file the claim on your own, but our Galveston injury lawyers urge you to seek out legal counsel before beginning the process. The reason we stress that is because an injury who understands vaccine law and the federal court systems can better help you to understand not only what you are up against, but can skillfully handle the claims process.

In this day and age, more and more families are opting not to vaccinate their children. There have been reports of serious and rare injuries occurring after being vaccinated. One example is the MMR—measles, mumps, and rubella—vaccine, and reports of children who have contracted serious bleeding and bruising as side effects of the vaccination. It has made many parents wary about vaccinations.

Vaccinations Are Man-Made

What we must understand is that vaccine are manufactured, often in a science lab, and are susceptible to side effects and other adverse reactions just the same as any other medication. Thankfully, VICP has been set in place as a no-fault claims process to receive compensation. However, the documentation necessary is extensive.

These are the minimum requirements:

• Date of the vaccination
• Documentation of where the vaccination took place
• A detailed description of the extent of the injuries
• Medical records and all documentation of treatment

Next, the claim will be brought before the federal vaccine court, located at the nation’s capital. The statute of limitations stipulates that all claims should be filed within three years upon recognition of the first adverse reaction. Wrongful death claims due to vaccination must also be filed within two years after death.

All in all, VICP has benefitted vaccine injury victims, totaling over $3 billion in compensation, with over 4, 000 claims awarded. In contrast, 10, 000 claims have been denied. Claims examiners will review claims based on a variety of factors, on what is called the Vaccine Injury Table, which has a pre-set list of possible reactions from vaccines. If a reaction falls outside of this table, it can make the claims process lengthier and more complicated.

That is why it is all the more crucial that you contact an experienced attorney if your child has been severely injured due to a vaccination. Daspit Law Firm is prepared to help!