Intussusception is a medical condition that occurs when a portion of the intestine slides inside of an adjacent portion. It can have various causes, including immunization with the rotavirus vaccine. Intussusception caused by the rotavirus vaccine is covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), and eligible vaccine recipients and families can hire an experienced vaccine injury lawyer to file a VICP claim at no cost.
Due to its potential risks, anyone who has concerns about intussusception after receiving a rotavirus vaccine should see a doctor promptly. The Mayo Clinic describes intussusception as:
“[A] serious condition in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine. This telescoping action often blocks food or fluid from passing through. Intussusception also cuts off the blood supply to the part of the intestine that’s affected. This can lead to infection, death of bowel tissue or a tear in the bowel, called perforation.”
Signs that treatment may be necessary include a lump in the abdomen, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and stool mixed with blood and mucus. Since intussusception is relatively rare, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be “challenging.” This makes it especially important for patients to inform their doctors of their recent vaccinations and their specific concerns about this potentially dangerous disorder.
Understanding the Cause of Intussusception
In many cases, the precise cause of intussusception is unknown. While polyps and tumors on the intestines can cause intussusception in adults, these are not the only potential causal factors. Intussusception occurs without these growths as well—including in cases involving rotavirus immunization.
The link between the rotavirus vaccine and intussusception has been recognized by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The HRSA administers the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and it lists many (but not all) of the medical conditions covered under the VICP on the Vaccine Injury Table. Intussusception is listed as a potential consequence of the rotavirus vaccine, and causation is presumed when a vaccine recipient’s symptoms onset between 1 and 21 days following vaccine administration.
Understanding the Effects of Intussusception from a Rotavirus Vaccine
Along with the symptoms listed above, intussusception can present risks for a variety of complications. These potential complications relate primarily to the blockages caused by one portion of the intestine sliding inside of another. Intussusception can also cause severe pain for both children and adults, with the Mayo Clinic noting that the painful episodes caused by intussusception “last[ing] longer and happen[ing] more often as time passes.”
Some of the potential complications of intussusception include:
- Tissue Death in the Intestine – Lack of blood flow caused by intussusception can cause tissue death in the intestine.
- Perforation (Tearing of the Intestinal Wall) – Tissue death in the intestine can lead to perforation or tearing of the intestinal wall.
- Peritonitis (Infection in the Lining of the Abdominal Cavity) – When the intestinal wall tears, this can allow fluids to leak into the abdominal cavity, causing a potentially life-threatening infection known as peritonitis.
Filing a VICP Claim for Intussusception from a Rotavirus Vaccine
The costs of treating, managing and coping with the symptoms and complications of intussusception can all be covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you believe you may have a claim for intussusception caused by the rotavirus vaccine (or if you don’t know and would like to find out), here are some steps you should try to take promptly:
1. Prioritize Your (or Your Loved One’s) Medical Care
With intussusception, it is extremely important to prioritize your (or your loved one’s) medical care. Complications can develop quickly, so it is critical to make sure you get the medical advice you need when you need it. When in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your family’s healthcare provider—or seek emergency medical treatment if necessary.
2. Gather As Much Documentation as Possible
To file a VICP claim for intussusception caused by a rotavirus vaccine, it will be important to have as much documentation as possible. This includes documentation of your (or your loved one’s) vaccination, diagnosis, treatment, loss of income, and any other financial or non-financial consequences.
3. Learn More About the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is a federal program that covers the financial and non-financial costs of certain vaccine-related injuries and illnesses on a “no fault” basis. Since launching in 1987, the VICP has paid more than $4.6 billion to vaccine recipients and their families. If you think you may have a claim, you will want to learn more about the VICP. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are a good place to start.
4. Keep Following Your Doctor’s (or Your Loved One’s Doctor’s) Advice
As you work to move forward, it will also be extremely important to keep following your doctor’s (or your loved one’s doctor’s) advice. Not only will this help ensure that the consequences of the diagnosis are no greater than necessary, but it will also help ensure that all of your family’s costs related to the diagnosis are covered under the VICP.
5. Talk to a Vaccine Injury Lawyer
When seeking financial compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, you can hire a vaccine injury lawyer to represent you at no cost. As a result, you have nothing to lose by putting an experienced advocate on your side. An experienced vaccine injury lawyer will be able to prepare and file your claim, work to negotiate a settlement on your behalf, and take your claim to the Vaccine Court if necessary.
Talk to Vaccine Injury Lawyer Leah V. Durant About Your Intussusception VICP Claim for Free
Do you need more information about filing a VICP claim for intussusception caused by a rotavirus vaccination? If so, we can help, and we invite you to get in touch. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with vaccine injury lawyer Leah V. Durant, give us a call at 202-800-1711 or send us your contact information online today.
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: Intussusception, National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
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