If you or a loved one suffered a vaccine-related injury or illness and you filed a report with the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), you have done your part to aid in the government’s efforts to prevent future vaccine injuries. But, did you know that you may also be entitled to financial compensation under a different federal government initiative, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)?
About the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
Congress established the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in 1987 as a way to make it easier for individuals to recover their medical expenses and lost income resulting from vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. Also providing financial compensation for pain and suffering, the VICP has paid more than $3.6 billion to vaccine recipients over the past 30 years. The VICP pays compensation for injuries and illnesses resulting from vaccines including (but not limited to):
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines
- Hepatitis A vaccines
- Hepatitis B vaccines
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines
- Meningococcal vaccines
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
- Rotavirus vaccines
- Seasonal influenza vaccines
- Vaccines containing measles, mumps, and rubella virus or any of its components (e.g., MMR, MM, MMRV)
- Vaccines containing polio inactivated virus (e.g., IPV)
- Vaccines containing polio live virus (OPV)
- Vaccines containing tetanus toxoid (e.g., DTaP, DTP, DT, Td, or TT)
- Vaccines containing whole cell pertussis bacteria, extracted or partial cell pertussis bacteria, or specific pertussis antigen(s) (e.g., P or DTP-Hib)
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines
- Any new vaccine recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for routine administration to children, after publication by the Secretary of a notice of coverage
Vaccine-related injuries and illnesses covered under the VICP include (but are not limited to):
- Anaphylaxis
- Brachial neuritis
- Encephalopathy and encephalitis
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
- Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
- Vasovagal syncope
Filing a Claim Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
Similar to filing a report with VAERS, it is possible to file a VICP claim on your own. However, there are a number of reasons why this is not recommended.
For one, filing a successful VICP claim is complicated and requires that specific rules and procedures be followed. In addition, since attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) represent the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in all VICP claims, it is critical that you have representation from a qualified vaccine attorney to protect your interests.
In addition, hiring a vaccine attorney for your VICP claim can come at little or no out-of-pocket cost to you. Since the VICP pays your attorney and you, you do not have to worry about legal fees consuming a portion of your settlement or award.
Speak with National Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant
If you would like more information about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), please contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant. Call (202) 800-1711 to request an appointment, or tell us how to reach you and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.
Categories: National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
Leah Durant 
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