What You Should Know about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

By leahdurantlaw on August 20, 2019 • ( 0 )

For individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, the path to recovery often includes filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal program that provides financial resources to individuals who have been harmed by vaccinations. Since 1988, the VICP has paid over $3 billion in compensation to individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related medical conditions; and, while securing compensation under the VICP means filing a claim in the Vaccine Court in Washington D.C., filing a VICP claim is much simpler, more efficient and less contentious than pursuing a traditional lawsuit against a hospital or pharmaceutical company.

If you have been diagnosed with a vaccine injury or illness, here is an introduction to what you need to know about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP):

1. VICP Compensation is Available to Individuals Diagnosed with All Vaccine Injuries and Illnesses

Compensation under the VICP is available to individuals diagnosed with all vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. While there are less steps involved in seeking compensation for injuries and illnesses listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, even if your injury or illness is not listed, you can still file a successful claim for compensation.

2. Filing a VICP Claim is a Formal Legal Process

When you file a claim under the VICP, your case will go before a Special Master at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (commonly known as the “Vaccine Court”). There are strict filing requirements involved, and attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will represent the government.

3. You are Entitled to No-Cost Legal Representation for Your VICP Claim

Fortunately, under federal law, individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses are entitled to no-cost legal representation for their VICP claims. Unlike a civil personal injury claim where your attorney receives a percentage of your financial recovery, under the VICP, the government pays your attorney’s fees separately from your award of financial compensation. As a result, hiring an experienced vaccine injury lawyer to help maximize your recovery can come at little or no financial cost to you.

4. More People are Seeking Financial Compensation for Their Vaccine Injuries

Seeking financial compensation under the VICP is becoming increasingly common as people learn more about the risks associated with certain vaccinations and errors in vaccine administration. More VICP claims were filed in 2017 than in any of the previous 13 years, and the number of VICP claims filed has increased each year since 2011.

5. There are Steps You Can Take Now to Help with Your VICP Claim

In addition to seeking experienced legal representation, there are a number of other steps you can take to help maximize your financial recovery under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. To learn more, you can read: What to Do After Being Diagnosed with a Vaccine-Related Illness or Injury.

Speak with an Experienced Vaccine Injury Lawyer for Free

To find out if you are eligible to file a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), you can schedule a complimentary initial consultation at the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC. Call (202) 800-1711 to request an appointment, or send us your contact information and we will be in touch shortly.

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 the other attorneys in her firm 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.