Most of us look to vaccines as a way to improve health and prevent disease. However, sometimes vaccines result in adverse reactions and injuries that lead to long term medical problems and even death.
In the 80’s several vaccines injury-related lawsuits resulted in pharmaceutical companies threatening a vaccine shortage. To keep this from happening, Congress set up a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP). Under the program, the federal trust fund will pay out damages to people suffering from adverse reactions to vaccinations.
The Vaccine Injury Table is a complementary guide paired with the NVICP. It lists the vaccines covered by the program as well as the illnesses associated with each vaccine. The purpose of the table is to specify the vaccines covered by the NVICP, to specify the injuries eligible for compensation and to establish an expected time frame for the onset of symptoms.
The table is a bit overwhelming and it can be difficult for someone with no medical or legal experience to navigate. This article will sum up some of the key points.
Vaccines Covered by the NVICP
The Vaccine Injury Table includes all vaccines covered by the NVICP. Because the program was developed in response to civil lawsuits concerning the DPT vaccine which aimed to protect children, the vaccines included are all part of the recommended immunization schedule for children in the United States. They include the following:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
- Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus
- Seasonal Influenza
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- Meningococcal
- Pneumococcal conjugate
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Varicella
Medical Conditions Covered by the NVICP
Several medical conditions result from these vaccines and they are all listed on the vaccine injury table. Here are some of the most common:
- Brachial Neuritis
- Vasovagal Syncope
- Anaphylaxis
- Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
The timeframe on the Vaccine Injury Table
The Vaccine Injury Table also imposes time frames for the onset of symptoms. If your symptoms do not begin to manifest in the time frame suggested on the table, it will be difficult to prove that the vaccine was responsible for your condition.
Here is a list of the health conditions that may be caused by a vaccine and how soon the symptoms will need to begin appearing for you to qualify for compensation.
- Brachial Neuritis- 2-28 days
- Vasovagal Syncope – less than one hour
- Anaphylaxis- less than 4 hours
- Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)- 48 hours or less
What if My Condition is Not Listed on the Vaccine Injury Table?
If your vaccination caused you to develop a medical condition that is not listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, you may still be eligible for compensation through the NVICP. However, you must prove that the vaccine resulted in a severe injury that lasted six months or more, or a surgery or hospital stay. If the vaccination resulted in death, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file a claim.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Vaccine Injury Claim
Navigating the Vaccine Injury Table is not easy. If you experienced an adverse reaction after a vaccine and are wondering if you have a right to compensation, the Groth Law Firm can help.
The Groth Law Firm has years of experience dealing with personal injury law. They are aware of the physical/emotional pain and they will fight tirelessly to see to it that their clients get the outcomes they are looking for. They are known for their deep sense of compassion and their aggressive representation.
If you got a vaccine that resulted in a personal injury, don’t suffer in silence. Call the Groth Law Firm to get the representation you deserve from a vaccine injury lawyer.