MMR Vaccine Injury Attorneys
If you or your child suffered an unexpected severe reaction after an MMR vaccination, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Here we’ll explain MMR vaccine side effects, which MMR injuries are recognized under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), how off-table injury claims work, what compensation is available, how the vaccine court process operates, and why choosing an experienced Siri & Glimstad vaccine injury lawyer can make all the difference in your MMR vaccine injury claim.
Common MMR Vaccine Injuries and Reactions
The MMR vaccine can trigger severe reactions. Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur within minutes to hours of the shot – signs include hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling. Such reactions are life-threatening but treatable if addressed immediately (call 911 if these symptoms appear). Another risk is febrile seizure in young children. Children may have a seizure from fever 1–2 weeks after MMR vaccination. Importantly, febrile seizures are generally brief and not associated with long-term damage or epilepsy. The MMR vaccine has also been linked to a temporary drop in platelet count, which can cause easy bruising or bleeding (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP). This immune-related bleeding disorder is usually not life-threatening and often resolves with minimal treatment. Brain inflammation (encephalitis/encephalopathy) can also occur after MMR vaccination – often in individuals with weakened immune systems – within 5–15 days or even months in immunocompromised cases.
$5,256,660,556
Total Vaccine Injury Awards from the
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program*
Act now! Injury cases must be filed within 3 years! Death cases within 2 years!
*As of April 1, 2024
MMR Injuries Recognized Under the Vaccine Injury Table
To streamline claims, the VICP uses a Vaccine Injury Table that lists certain injuries presumed to be caused by vaccines if they occur within specific timeframes. If you suffered one of these “table” injuries after an MMR shot, you do not need to prove the vaccine caused it – causation is presumed, making it easier to get compensation. The current Vaccine Injury Table for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella vaccines) includes the following injuries and time windows:
| Injury (Table Injury) | Timeframe After MMR Vaccination |
| Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) | ≤ 4 hours post-vaccine |
| Encephalopathy / Encephalitis (brain inflammation) | 5–15 days (not less than 5 and not more than 15 days) |
| SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration) | ≤ 48 hours (painful shoulder injury from injection) |
| Vasovagal Syncope (fainting) | ≤ 1 hour |
| Chronic Arthritis (persistent joint swelling, typically from rubella component) | 7–42 days (in adults, especially women) |
| Thrombocytopenic Purpura (Immune thrombocytopenia – low platelets) | 7–30 days (roughly 1–4 weeks post-shot) |
| Vaccine-strain Measles Viral Infection (in an immunodeficient recipient) | Onset ≤ 12 months (if lab tests can’t confirm strain; no timeframe if vaccine-strain is confirmed) |
If your injury fits one of the categories above and first arose in the specified timeframe, it is considered an “on-table” MMR injury. In these cases, the VICP will presume the vaccine caused the harm absent another proven cause. This presumption of causation means you don’t need to present extensive proof linking the vaccine to the injury – meeting the Table criteria is enough to establish eligibility for compensation. (Note: You must also meet a severity requirement, such as the injury lasting at least 6 months, causing hospitalization/surgery, or resulting in death, to qualify for a VICP award in any case.)
Off-Table Claims for MMR Vaccine Injuries (Causation-in-Fact)
Not every injury following an MMR shot is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. If you experienced a health condition not on the Table (or outside the Table timeframe) after the MMR vaccine, you can still file what’s called an “off-table” vaccine injury claim – but you will need to prove that the vaccine caused your injury. Off-table claims require a bit more effort, as causation isn’t presumed. Instead, your attorney will gather medical experts, literature, and evidence to show a “causation-in-fact” link between the MMR vaccine and your condition.
Examples of off-table injuries claimed from the MMR vaccine include neurological and autoimmune reactions such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (a nerve disorder causing paralysis) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (a post-vaccinal brain/spinal inflammation), among others. These conditions are not automatically presumed to be caused by MMR, but if you can present a sound medical theory and evidence that your MMR shot “more likely than not” triggered the injury, the court can still award compensation. In off-table cases, expert witnesses often testify on how the vaccine could cause that illness, demonstrate that it did so in your situation, and confirm that the timing of onset was medically appropriate. While this process is complex, many off-table MMR injury claims have been successful with strong evidence. Having a knowledgeable vaccine injury lawyer is crucial for off-table claims, as the government will vigorously contest causation – but a well-prepared case with expert support can prevail even for injuries not specifically listed on the Table.
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Compensation Available Through VICP for MMR Vaccine Injuries
If you qualify under the VICP, what can you actually recover? The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program can provide substantial financial relief to ease the burden of a vaccine injury. Compensation through the VICP may include:
- Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses: All past and future healthcare costs related to your vaccine injury are covered. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical or occupational therapy, medical devices, nursing care, and similar expenses. There is no cap on legitimate medical expenses – the program can even fund life-long care if your injury results in permanent disabilities.
- Lost Income and Benefits: If your MMR injury caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn a living, the VICP will compensate your lost wages and lost future earning capacity. Awards can cover the salary you’ve already missed as well as projected future earnings (based on your age, occupation, and disability level) that you will be unable to attain due to the injury. For children who are injured, the program can even compensate anticipated future income loss once they reach working age.
- Pain and Suffering: The VICP recognizes the physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life that vaccine injuries can cause. For non-economic damages, the program can award up to $250,000 for pain and suffering in each injury case. Not every case will receive the maximum, but in severe injuries (paralysis, brain injury, etc.), special masters often grant high pain-and-suffering awards commensurate with the life-altering impact. (Less severe or short-term injuries receive proportionally less.)
- Death Benefit: In the tragic event of a vaccine-related death, the deceased’s estate can receive a statutory death benefit of $250,000. Additionally, the VICP will cover related costs like funeral and burial expenses and can compensate certain dependents for the loss of the decedent’s future earnings. Death claims must be filed within 2 years of the death (and within 4 years of the start of the vaccine injury that led to death).
- Attorneys’ Fees and Costs: One of the biggest advantages of the VICP is that it pays your attorney’s fees and legal costs for you (separately from your compensation award) as long as your claim was filed in good faith. This means hiring a vaccine injury lawyer won’t cost you anything out of pocket – and it won’t reduce the compensation you receive. The program will pay reasonable attorneys’ fees and expert witness costs on top of your award, win or lose. In other words, you get to benefit from legal representation without worrying about hourly fees or contingency percentages.
All compensation from the VICP is paid from a federal trust fund supported by a small excise tax on vaccines (currently $0.75 per dose). This no-fault funding mechanism ensures that injured individuals are compensated without suing vaccine manufacturers or doctors. In fact, when you pursue a vaccine injury claim, the respondent is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (represented by the Department of Justice), not the vaccine maker or provider. Over $5 billion has been paid out through the VICP since its inception in 1988 – a testament to the program’s commitment to assisting victims of vaccine injuries. Compensation awards can range from tens of thousands of dollars for relatively moderate injuries to millions of dollars for severe, lifelong disabilities. An experienced attorney can help assess the potential value of your claim based on factors like your age, medical needs, and prognosis, to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Informational Resources:
- Vaccine Injury Table (HRSA): The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes the official Vaccine Injury Table for covered vaccines. This document specifies recognized injuries and timeframes used in the VICP.
- HRSA VICP Website: Learn about the VICP on the HRSA (Health Resources & Services Administration) website, which outlines the program’s rules, covered vaccines, and how to file a claim.
From Our Vaccine Injury Clients
Why Choose Siri & Glimstad for Your MMR Vaccine Injury Claim
When you’re dealing with a vaccine injury claim, you want the most qualified team on your side. Siri & Glimstad is a nationally recognized leader in vaccine injury law, with an entire department dedicated to representing vaccine-injured clients. Here are key reasons to trust Siri & Glimstad with your MMR vaccine injury case:
- Extensive VICP Experience: Our vaccine injury attorneys have deep experience in this niche area of law, having handled numerous cases involving the MMR and other vaccines. We are fully admitted to practice in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and have mastered its unique procedures. Vaccine claims are not typical personal injury cases – our team’s specialized knowledge of the Vaccine Injury Table, medical causation standards, and court process translates into a high success rate in resolved claims.
- Proven Results: Siri & Glimstad has recovered millions of dollars in vaccine injury settlements and awards for our clients nationwide. We have a track record of securing life-changing compensation for those injured by vaccines, including significant awards for MMR-related injuries. Every case is different, but our attorneys know how to maximize the value of each claim – whether through skillful settlement negotiations or, if needed, persuasive trial advocacy.
- No Fees, No Out-of-Pocket Costs: When we represent you in a vaccine injury claim, it costs you nothing upfront and nothing at all from your compensation. All legal fees and expenses are paid by the VICP separately. Our firm only gets paid by the Court after we’ve successfully helped you – and those fees do not come out of your award. Whether your case settles or goes to verdict, you keep 100% of your compensation.
- Dedicated, Compassionate Support: Suffering a vaccine injury or seeing your child hurt can be scary and overwhelming. Our team understands what you’re going through and is committed to being compassionate advocates every step of the way. We pride ourselves on clear, frequent communication and making sure you feel supported. You will have direct access to an attorney who truly cares about your well-being and recovery. At Siri & Glimstad, every single client is a priority – we treat you like family, not a case number.
- Nationwide Reach: Siri & Glimstad has offices and attorneys across the country, and we can represent clients in any U.S. state or territory. No matter where you are located, our vaccine injury lawyers can handle your MMR claim with the same level of personal attention and expertise. We have the resources of a large firm but the individualized touch of a boutique practice. Our goal is to make the process as convenient for you as possible, taking the legal burdens off your shoulders.
Choosing the right lawyer can profoundly affect the outcome of your vaccine injury petition. With Siri & Glimstad, you get a team that exclusively handles vaccine cases and is passionate about helping clients get justice through the VICP. We navigate the complexities so you can focus on healing and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a claim for an MMR vaccine injury?
To file a vaccine injury claim, our lawyer will submit a petition to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims – this is the special federal court that handles VICP cases. The petition must detail your or your child’s injury, the facts of vaccination (date, vaccine type – MMR, etc.), and include supporting medical records. Before filing, you should gather all relevant records like vaccination proof, hospital records, doctor notes, and any expert statements linking the vaccine to the injury. It’s crucial to file within 3 years of the first symptom of the injury (or 2 years of a death) due to the statute of limitations. Once filed, the case is reviewed by HHS and a court-appointed special master, and it proceeds through the steps of the vaccine court process (which may involve medical expert review, negotiations, and potentially a hearing).
How long does an MMR vaccine injury claim take to resolve?
The timeline can vary. Some straightforward claims that meet Table criteria and where damages are clear can settle in as little as 1-2 years. More complex cases, especially off-table claims that require extensive evidence, may take 2–5 years or more to litigate fully, particularly if they go to a hearing. The process involves time for government review, gathering expert reports, and potential negotiations. While this is quicker than many civil injury lawsuits, it’s not overnight. The good news is that most cases settle before trial, expediting compensation. Your attorney can often give you a better sense of timeline after evaluating the specifics of your claim. Importantly, filing sooner helps speed things up – don’t wait until the last minute, as preparing a strong petition itself takes time.
Do I need a lawyer to pursue a vaccine injury claim?
The vaccine court is a federal legal forum with specialized rules of procedure and evidence, and HHS is represented by DOJ attorneys who specialize in opposing these claims. A seasoned lawyer who knows vaccine law will handle the complex paperwork, help obtain expert medical opinions, and present the strongest case for causation and damages. Statistics show claimants with attorneys have a much higher success rate – whereas self-filed cases win far less often. Additionally, hiring a vaccine lawyer costs you nothing. The VICP pays reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs on your behalf, win or lose. Given the high stakes (potentially hundreds of thousands or millions in compensation) and no financial downside, having a knowledgeable lawyer is an easy choice.
Will I be suing the vaccine manufacturer or my doctor?
No – under the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, vaccine injury claims must go through the VICP in almost all cases, rather than traditional lawsuits against manufacturers or healthcare providers. When you file in the VICP, you are not suing the pharma company or your doctor; instead, you are petitioning for compensation from the federal vaccine trust fund. This fund is financed by a small tax on each dose of vaccine, and it’s specifically designed as an alternative to suing manufacturers. In fact, vaccine makers and providers are largely shielded from liability for vaccine injuries (except in rare circumstances), so the VICP is the exclusive remedy. The legal respondent in your case is the Secretary of Health and Human Services (represented by Department of Justice attorneys). This no-fault system was set up to ensure vaccine-injured individuals are taken care of without placing blame or needing to prove negligence. The upside is that you don’t have to prove any wrongdoing by a doctor or company – only that the vaccine caused the injury. And if you win, your compensation comes from the trust fund, not from the pocket of your doctor or a lawsuit judgment.
Content Reviewed by: Rachel Brown – Vaccine Injury Lawyer
Rachel Brown is an experienced litigation attorney dedicated to representing individuals injured by vaccines. Ms. Brown previously served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Clay County, Missouri, for more than four years, where she gained extensive courtroom and trial experience. Ms. Brown also served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Cory L. Atkins in the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri for more than two years, where she acquired in-depth insight into judicial decision-making and legal analysis.
This page was last updated on: August 27, 2026
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