Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) are the most common type of vaccine-related injury or illness. Since they result from errors during vaccine administration (i.e., inserting the needle too high on the shoulder or too low on the arm), they are a risk with all types of vaccines. This makes SIRVA different from other types of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, which result from adverse reactions to specific vaccine ingredients.

As a result, if you have concerns about SIRVA, you should not ignore them. Pain that doesn’t go away, pain that worsens with movement, and limited shoulder strength and mobility can all be signs of a potentially serious vaccine-related injury. If you have concerns about SIRVA, you should see a doctor promptly, and if you receive a SIRVA diagnosis, you should speak with a vaccine lawyer about your legal rights.

Understanding the Varied Effects of SIRVA

One of the main reasons not to ignore the signs of SIRVA is that shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration can have a variety of short-term and long-term effects. While each different type of SIRVA has its own unique set of symptoms, SIRVA will generally cause:

1. Physical Symptoms and Limitations

All forms of SIRVA have physical symptoms that can interfere with your day-to-day life. The pain from SIRVA can be debilitating, and many individuals who are diagnosed with SIRVA miss time from work during the recovery process. This process can take anywhere from weeks to months—and even longer in some cases.

Pain, limited mobility, loss of muscle strength and reduced range of motion are all common symptoms of different forms of SIRVA. Prompt treatment can be effective at mitigating these symptoms in many cases. Prompt treatment can also help ensure that the recovery process is as quick as possible. As a result, for anyone who has concerns about SIRVA, obtaining a diagnosis and treatment plan should be a priority.

2. Financial Costs

Along with physical symptoms and limitations, SIRVA can lead to significant financial costs as well. Treatment for all forms of SIRVA can be incredibly expensive, especially when they require surgery. But, even when surgery isn’t necessary, the costs of multiple doctor’s visits, prescriptions, medical supplies and extensive physical therapy can far exceed what most people can afford to pay.

The costs of SIRVA are even greater for those patients who are forced to miss work. Shoulder injuries can impact individuals’ ability to do their jobs in all occupations—from construction and warehouse jobs to jobs that involve typing on a computer. With many types of SIRVA, returning to work too soon can prolong the recovery process in addition to presenting risks for further complications. As a result, while missing work can be costly, it is often the least-costly option available. Additionally, as we discuss below, individuals who have been diagnosed with SIRVA will be able to recover their lost earnings in many cases.

3. Pain and Suffering

In addition to their physical and financial effects, SIRVA can also cause significant psychological pain and suffering. Living with a serious injury isn’t easy, especially when you know that your injury could—and should—have been avoided with proper vaccine administration practices. The psychological effects of physical trauma are very real, and they, too, can impact all aspects of your day-to-day life.

Similar to the physical effects of SIRVA, the psychological effects are treatable. For vaccine recipients who are struggling with daily pain, anxiety, depression and loss of enjoyment of life, help is available. You can—and should—get the treatment you need, and the costs of this treatment can also be recovered in many cases.

Do You Have a SIRVA Claim Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)?

Another reason not to ignore signs of SIRVA is that if you have experienced a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, you may have a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal government program that Congress established in 1988 to serve as a source of financial recovery for individuals and families affected by vaccine-related illnesses and injuries.

The VICP covers all forms of SIRVA from the flu shot, tetanus vaccines, hepatitis vaccines and other vaccines that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend for routine administration in the United States. If you have a VICP claim, you can recover just compensation for all of the financial and non-financial costs of your SIRVA, and you can hire a vaccine lawyer to handle your claim at no cost. Here are some more important facts about the VICP for individuals who are struggling to cope with the effects of a SIRVA diagnosis:

• You Have Three Years to File a VICP Claim – The statute of limitations for VICP claims is three years from the first onset of symptoms from a vaccine-related injury or illness. If it has been less than three years since you first began experiencing symptoms of SIRVA, you still have time to file a claim.
• The VICP Does Not Require Proof of Negligence – While SIRVA results from errors during vaccine administration, you do not need to prove negligence in order to file a claim. The VICP pays compensation to eligible claimants on a “no-fault” basis. Additionally, if your symptoms onset within 48 hours of your vaccination, it will be presumed that your injury is vaccine-related.  
• Most Successful VICP Claims Settle – While there are no guarantees, most successful VICP claims settle. We have settled numerous claims on behalf of individuals diagnosed with SIRVA. When you hire a vaccine lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and help you make an informed decision about how and when to resolve your claim.

Discuss Your SIRVA Claim with Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant

Do you have a SIRVA claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program? Contact us to find out. Call 202-800-1711 or request a free initial consultation online to schedule an appointment with national vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant.

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: Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration or SIRVA

Tags: National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration, SIRVA, Vaccine Injury