“Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration,” or “SIRVA,” are potentially-serious injuries that result from errors during immunizations. While vaccines themselves can be harmful in some circumstances (i.e. when administered to someone who is allergic to a vaccine ingredient), an examination of recent claims filed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) revealed that about half of all claims involve forms of SIRVA.
This was just one of the noteworthy statistics highlighted in a recent report aired on Georgia’s 11Alive, an NBC affiliate. In an episode of The Reveal entitled, Flu shot causing excruciating pain, but it’s not the vaccine to blame, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant spoke about some of the risks associated with flu shots and other common vaccinations.
Pain Following a Vaccination May Be a Symptom of SIRVA
The report also included an interview with one of our firm’s clients, Susan Webber, who sought medical treatment for years before finally being diagnosed with SIRVA. She was repeatedly misdiagnosed and prescribed cortisone and physical therapy, until one doctor finally identified her condition as a rotator cuff injury resulting from a mistake during an annual flu shot. Once properly diagnosed, Ms. Webber underwent surgery; and, with our firm’s help, she filed a successful claim under the VICP.
In 2017 alone, the VICP paid approximately $20 million to injured vaccine recipients, with most of these payments resulting from negotiated settlements. This means that the VICP paid out approximately $10 million for claims involving shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration. According to 11Alive’s investigation:
- Approximately 40 percent of SIRVA claims involve vaccine injections administered at pharmacies;
- Approximately 30 percent of SIRVA claims involve vaccine injections administered at doctors’ offices and hospitals; and,
- In some states, such as Georgia, technicians and medical assistants can administer vaccinations under minimal medical supervision.
While sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide basic training for administering vaccines, little effort is made, if any, to ensure that those who administer vaccines have been properly trained. Additionally, both the CDC and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) have acknowledged that the federal government lacks any programs designed to provide additional training in response to reported vaccination mistakes.
As a result, vaccination errors are alarmingly common, and right now vaccine recipients’ sole form of recourse is to file a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). With the VICP’s current backlog resulting from increasing awareness of SIRVA, hearings are currently being pushed into next year, and this is resulting in a significant number of cases being settled outside of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (also known as the “Vaccine Court”).
Discuss Your Claim with National Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with SIRVA, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights. To speak with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), please call (202) 800-1711 or inquire 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.
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