If you suffered serious complications after receiving an immunization, you may be able to file a claim in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP). This program aims to reimburse patients for injury-related expenses they incur as a result of unanticipated reactions to covered vaccinations.
While these claims are similar to traditional personal injury claims in a number of ways—they, too, can yield compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, for example—there are a few key differences. One of the biggest is the claimant’s financial obligations once the case has been resolved.
Whereas a typical personal injury claimant will have to give his or her legal team a contingency fee, which comes out of the final payout, a vaccine injury claimant does not owe anything. Over the course of the proceedings, the firm will cover any and all expenses that arise, including filing fees, copying costs, and expert witness charges. Then, once the case has concluded, they will seek reimbursement from the court.
In addition to covering all litigation-related expenditures—not to mention the actual compensatory award—the NVICP will handle reasonable attorneys’ fees. That means petitioners don’t have to worry about covering any fees or costs out of pocket, nor out of the final payout that results.
On top of that, most reputable vaccine injury attorneys offer free case reviews. Therefore, even if you’re unsure whether you actually have grounds for a claim, you’ve got nothing to lose by scheduling an initial consultation.
What Kinds of Damages Can You Seek by Filing a Claim in the NVICP?
The Vaccine Injury Compensation Act recognizes the fact that immunization-related complications can contribute to both monetary and non-monetary losses. As such, recoverable damages include:
- Reasonable medical expenses that the claimant has already incurred;
- Reasonable medical expenses that the claimant expects to incur as a result of the injuries;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of future earnings; and
- Up to $250,000 for pain and suffering.
If the affected party died as a result of the vaccine injuries, surviving loved ones may also be entitled to a statutory death benefit of up to $250,000.
It’s important to note that just because such damages are recoverable doesn’t mean you’re automatically entitled to reimbursement for all of them. You’ll have to present clear and convincing evidence that you did, in fact, incur the losses for which you’re seeking compensation. Thankfully, a resourceful vaccine injury lawyer can help.
Your attorney will preserve all relevant hospital bills, pay stubs, and other documentation that corresponds to your damages. He or she will also consult relevant experts, like economists and medical specialists, to bolster your claim. You can support your lawyer’s efforts by keeping a journal in which you write about how your condition is hurting your quality of life.
Speak with a Vaccine Injury Attorney Today
At Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC, we understand just how devastating vaccine injuries can be on the whole family. If you or someone you love suffered complications after receiving one or more immunizations, we’ll help you compile the evidence needed to submit a claim in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Call 601-487-8448 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a vaccine injury lawyer in Jackson.
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