Siri & Glimstad’s vaccine injury attorneys frequently receive questions about the prevalence of vaccine injuries. While vaccines are crucial public health tools, our team’s extensive experience in vaccine litigation has given us unique insights into their adverse events and their frequency.
Understanding Vaccine Injuries:
A vaccine injury extends far beyond common side effects like injection site soreness or mild fever. Through our legal practice, we’ve represented clients who have experienced serious adverse events that significantly impact their quality of life. These injuries, including shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”), brachial neuritis (“BN”), anaphylaxis, and transverse myelitis, among others, often require extensive medical treatment and can result in long-term health complications.
Frequency of Vaccine Injuries: What the Data Shows
Our firm regularly analyzes data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (“VAERS”) and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (“VICP”) to understand how common vaccine injuries are. Here are what the statistics reveal:
VAERS Data
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System received over 48,000 reports in 2019 alone. While 85-90% of these reports documented mild side effects, our legal team pays particular attention to the serious adverse events that comprise the remaining cases. These reports help us identify patterns and support our clients’ claims.
VICP Statistics
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program‘s data provides crucial insights into compensated vaccine injuries. From 2006 to 2019:
- Approximately 4 billion vaccine doses were administered
- 6,390 claims received compensation
- This translates to roughly 1 compensated claim per 1 million vaccine doses
Common Types of Vaccine Injuries We Handle
Through our legal practice, we regularly represent clients affected by various vaccine-related injuries, including:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”)
- An autoimmune disorder affecting the nervous system
- Can lead to paralysis and long-term complications
Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”)
- Often results from improper injection technique
- Can cause chronic pain and limited mobility
Transverse Myelitis (“TM”)
- A rare neurological condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord.
- Swelling damages spinal nerves and can leave permanent scars or lesions, which
interrupt the communication between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the
body.
Brachial Neuritis (“BN”)/Parsonage Turner Syndrome
- An inflammatory neuromuscular syndrome involving the peripheral nerves
- Characterized by the sudden pain in one or both shoulders, followed
by muscle weakness and sensory deficits that radiate to the neck, arms,
and forearms
Anaphylaxis
- Severe allergic reactions requiring immediate medical intervention
- Can be life-threatening if not treated promptly
Neurological Conditions
- Including seizures and other nervous system disorders
- May result in long-term disability
Primary Causes of Vaccine Injuries
Our case experience has identified several common causes of vaccine injuries:
- Allergic Reactions: Responses to vaccine components
- Immune System Complications: Abnormal immune responses to vaccination
- Administration Errors: Improper injection techniques or dosing
- Manufacturing Issues: Rare cases of contamination or quality control problems
Steps to Take If You Suspect a Vaccine Injury
As vaccine injury attorneys, we recommend the following actions if you believe you’ve experienced a vaccine injury:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care
- Document all symptoms and their onset
- Maintain detailed medical records
- Inform healthcare providers about recent vaccinations
- Report to VAERS
- File a report yourself or ask your healthcare provider to do so (https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html)
- Include all relevant details about the vaccination and symptoms
- Keep copies of all documentation
- Consider Legal Representation
- Contact a vaccine injury attorney promptly
- Be aware of filing deadlines
- Understand your rights under the VICP
The Importance of Legal Representation
While vaccine injuries may be relatively rare, when they do occur, having experienced legal representation is crucial. At Siri & Glimstad, we:
- Navigate the complex VICP claims process
- Gather and present necessary medical evidence
- Ensure compliance with filing deadlines
- Advocate for maximum compensation
Time Limitations and Legal Rights
Understanding the timing requirements for vaccine injury claims is critical:
- Most claims must be filed within 3 years of the first symptom
- Death claims must be filed within 2 years of death
- Missing these deadlines can bar you from compensation
The Value of Experienced Legal Counsel
When dealing with vaccine injuries, working with attorneys who understand both the medical and legal aspects is essential. Our firm’s experience includes:
- Successfully navigating the vaccine court system
- Building strong medical evidence for claims
- Securing appropriate compensation for clients
- Ensuring all deadlines are met
Contact Us for Assistance
If you believe you’ve experienced a vaccine injury, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. At Siri & Glimstad, we offer:
- Free legal representation and no out-of-pocket costs (attorney fees and costs paid
through the VICP) - Extensive experience in vaccine injury cases
- Dedicated advocacy for injured clients
While vaccine injuries are statistically rare, they can have devastating effects on individuals and their families. Our firm remains committed to helping those affected navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to discuss your potential vaccine injury claim and understand your legal options.
