Vaccine Injury Claims
Federal Representation for People Harmed by Rare Vaccine Reactions
Vaccine injuries are uncommon, but when they happen, the impact on your health and finances can be life-changing. Saxey Law PLLC represents individuals and families in the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, offering knowledgeable, compassionate guidance through this highly specialized process.
Have You Been Injured by a Vaccine?
Rare Injuries, Real Consequences
Most vaccines are safe and vital to public health, but a small number of people experience serious adverse reactions that should not be ignored. If you or your child developed a significant medical condition shortly after vaccination, you may be eligible for compensation through a federal program designed specifically for vaccine injuries. We believe in the importance of vaccines, and we also believe in standing up for those who suffer when something goes wrong. Many people have never heard of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and are unsure whether their situation qualifies. Our firm reviews your story, medical records, and timeline to give you an honest, straightforward assessment of your options.
What Is the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?
A Federal No-Fault System for Vaccine-Related Harm
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) was created in the late 1980s as a no-fault system to compensate people injured by certain vaccines while keeping vaccines widely available to the public. Instead of suing a manufacturer or doctor, you bring a claim against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. You do not have to prove negligence, only that the vaccine likely caused the injury under the program’s legal standards. The Vaccine Injury Table lists specific injuries and timeframes where causation is presumed, making those claims somewhat simpler. Even when an injury is not on the table, compensation is still possible with strong medical evidence and expert opinions.
How We Handle Your Vaccine Injury Case
Detailed Legal Work With Little or No Financial Risk to You
We begin with a free case evaluation, carefully listening to what happened, which vaccine was involved, and how your symptoms developed. If your case appears viable, we gather medical records and prepare a detailed petition that explains your diagnosis, the timing, and the link to the vaccine. We work with your treating physicians and, when necessary, independent medical experts to support causation. Throughout the process, we negotiate with Department of Justice attorneys and, if needed, present your case to a special master who decides vaccine claims. Under VICP rules, if your claim is filed in good faith with a reasonable basis, the program generally pays attorney fees and costs separately, meaning you typically do not pay out-of-pocket for our representation.
Examples of Vaccine Injuries
Conditions Often Seen in Vaccine Injury Claims
Some injuries appear frequently enough in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program that they have become well-recognized patterns. Knowing these examples can help you recognize whether your own experience may be related to a vaccine. Common issues include neurological problems, severe shoulder injuries from injection, and serious allergic reactions. Every case, however, is unique and depends on the specific facts and medical evidence. Even if your condition is not listed below, we can evaluate whether it may still qualify.
Examples of vaccine injuries include:
- Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) following certain vaccines, often the seasonal flu shot.
- Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) causing lasting pain and limited motion.
- Encephalopathy or encephalitis, particularly in young children after certain childhood vaccines.
- Transverse myelitis, chronic arthritis, or other serious autoimmune or inflammatory conditions linked to vaccination.
- Anaphylaxis or other severe, immediate allergic reactions occurring right after vaccination.
Take the First Step Toward Compensation
Compassionate Support When You Did the Right Thing
Many clients feel conflicted because they followed medical advice and got vaccinated, only to face unexpected and serious health problems. We understand that you may feel confused, frustrated, or even guilty about what happened, and we approach these cases with sensitivity and respect. Pursuing a vaccine injury claim is not about attacking vaccines—it is about ensuring you are not left alone to bear the cost of a rare adverse event. With a federal program already in place to help, there is no reason not to explore your options. Contact Saxey Law PLLC for a free case evaluation and clear guidance on whether a VICP claim is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions – Vaccine Claims
Clear Answers About the VICP Process
How do I know if my reaction was caused by a vaccine or just a coincidence?
It is not always obvious whether a medical condition is related to vaccination, especially when symptoms could have other causes. One key factor is timing: if symptoms began within a known risk window after vaccination and match conditions recognized in the program, that supports a causal link. We carefully analyze your medical records and the sequence of events to see whether your situation fits established patterns. In closer cases, we may consult medical experts to determine whether it is more likely than not that the vaccine caused or significantly contributed to your injury.
Is there a time limit to file a vaccine injury claim?
Yes, strict deadlines apply in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. For non-fatal injuries, you generally must file within three years of the first symptom or manifestation of the injury. For death cases, the claim usually must be filed within two years of the date of death and within four years of the first symptom of the injury that led to death. Because missing these deadlines can completely bar recovery, we encourage you to contact us as soon as you suspect a vaccine-related injury.
Do I have to travel to Washington, D.C. for my case?
In most situations, you will never need to travel to Washington, D.C. to pursue a vaccine injury claim. The U.S. Court of Federal Claims and its special masters often handle matters through written filings, telephone conferences, and remote hearings. Your attorney can appear on your behalf, and much of the process is conducted electronically. This allows you to focus on your health while we handle the legal advocacy from our office.
How much does a vaccine injury lawyer cost?
One of the most important features of VICP is that attorney fees and certain litigation costs are typically paid by the program, not taken out of your compensation. As long as your claim is filed in good faith and has a reasonable basis, the court can approve payment of your lawyer’s fees even if the case does not result in an award. That means you usually do not pay us directly or out-of-pocket for representation. This structure is designed to ensure that people with legitimate claims can access skilled legal help regardless of their financial situation.
What compensation can I recover through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?
VICP can provide compensation for past and future unreimbursed medical expenses related to the vaccine injury. It may also cover lost wages or reduced earning capacity if your condition has affected your ability to work. In addition, the program allows an award for pain and suffering, capped at a statutory maximum, and provides a separate death benefit in fatal cases. We work to document your losses thoroughly so the special master has a clear, comprehensive picture of how the injury has affected your life.