If you are taking advantage of the holiday break to get your family vaccinated, it is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the most common vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. Unfortunately, while all CDC-recommended vaccines are generally considered safe, getting vaccinated still carries the risk for certain medical conditions related to vaccine ingredients and errors during vaccine administration.
Not sure which vaccinations your children need? Click here to download the CDC’s recommended vaccinations for school-age children.
Common Symptoms of Vaccine Injuries
While different vaccine-related injuries have different symptomologies, there are a number of symptoms that are common to multiple vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. If your child experiences any of the following in the days or weeks following a vaccination, you should seek medical attention promptly:
- Lingering shoulder pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Tingling or burning sensations
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Vision impairments
Since these can all be symptoms of other medical conditions as well, when you see your child’s doctor, you should be sure to tell him or her about your child’s recent vaccination. Treatment methods for vaccine injuries and illnesses vary, so it is important that your child receives an accurate diagnosis.
Coverage for Medical Expenses and Other Costs of Vaccine Injuries
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is also the first step toward seeking financial compensation for the medical expenses and other costs associated with your child’s vaccine injury. Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), parents can seek coverage for their children’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and certain financial costs incurred as a result of their children’s vaccinations. The VICP has paid more than $3.5 billion to individuals and families since 1988; and, in recent years, the number of claims compensated has been on the rise.
In order to seek financial compensation for their children’s vaccine-related injuries and illnesses under the VICP, parents should:
- Seek medical attention promptly, and follow all medical advice (or seek a second opinion, if desired);
- Keep any medical records relating to their child’s vaccinations;
- Keep track of their medical bills and any other expenses relating to their child’s vaccine illness or injury;
- Read our FAQs about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP); and,
- Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced vaccine attorney.
In most cases, parents have three years to file claims for their children’s vaccine-related injuries and illnesses under the VICP. However, to avoid unnecessary challenges and delays, it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If your child has been diagnosed with a vaccine-related injury or illness, attorney Leah V. Durant can provide a free assessment of your family’s rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. To schedule an appointment at your convenience, please call (202) 800-1711 or inquire online today. With offices in Washington D.C., we represent clients in VICP claims nationwide.
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.
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