At Sands Anderson, our attorneys have decades of experience navigating the ins and outs of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). So, if questions arise during the process of petitioning the VICP, our lawyers can help you find the answers and legal support you need. Not only is our Sands Anderson team comprised of experienced and successful vaccine injury attorneys, but it also includes a medical professional, who allows us to bring a thorough understanding of your vaccine injury claim to help you chart a course toward recovery and compensation.
Below, you’ll find some common questions about the VICP and the process for filing a claim. If you have specific questions regarding vaccine injuries or vaccine injury compensation, contact us today. We’re happy to help.
Compensation Process
- How do I file a vaccine injury claim?
- If I file a claim, what will the VICP compensate me for?
- I suffered a vaccine injury, but I don’t want to blame my medical provider. Do I have to involve them in a claim?
- Am I eligible for vaccine injury compensation?
Attorney Details
- Do I have to hire an attorney to file a vaccine injury compensation claim?
- Does my compensation cover my attorney fees?
- Does the attorney who handles my vaccine case have to practice in my state?
- Do I need to travel to Washington, D.C., to have my case heard by the vaccine court?
Vaccine Specifics
- How common are vaccine injuries?
- What vaccines are covered by the National Vaccine injury Compensation Program?
- Are all pneumococcal vaccines covered?
- Does the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) cover the shingles vaccine?
Compensation Process
Question: How do I file a vaccine injury claim?
Answer: If you or a loved one has developed a reaction to a vaccine, you may be eligible to file a vaccine injury claim. The first step in filing a claim is seeing if you qualify for vaccine injury compensation. By taking our eligibility quiz, you can determine whether you or your loved one has a valid vaccine injury claim. If your claim is valid, the next step would be working with our experienced vaccine injury lawyers to file a claim with the VICP. Our team has handled hundreds of claims, and they will file your claim at no cost to you. Before it is filed, one of our vaccine injury attorneys, who is also a licensed physician, reviews the claim to ensure we are asking all of the right questions and working toward the best possible outcome for you.
Question: If I file a claim, what will the VICP compensate me for?
Answer: If eligible, you can receive compensation for past and future stresses related to vaccine injuries not covered by your insurance, including:
- Lost earnings
- Medical and rehabilitative expenses
- Pain and suffering
Because every claim is different, the VICP awards compensation based on the specific facts of each petition. At Sands Anderson, our skilled vaccine-injury attorneys can help you organize and understand the specific details of your claim.
Question: I suffered a vaccine injury, but I don’t want to blame my medical provider. Do I have to involve them in the claim?
Answer: No, you don’t have to involve your medical provider. The VICP is a no-fault program, meaning you do not need to implicate your health care providers in any way.
The National Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 founded the VICP, in part, to discourage lawsuits that might cause vaccine shortages. So, when you petition the VICP, you are filing a claim against the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services—not your medical provider.
Question: Am I eligible for vaccine injury compensation?
Answer: The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) covers several vaccine-related injuries from a number of different vaccines.
If you or a loved one has developed a reaction to a vaccine, take our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify for vaccine injury compensation. Our experienced vaccine injury attorneys can file a claim for you with the VICP, at no cost to you.
Attorney Details
Question: Do I have to hire an attorney to file a vaccine injury compensation claim?
Answer: No, but navigating claims through the VICP can often be complicated and cumbersome. At Sands Anderson, our experienced and talented attorneys offer in-depth knowledge of vaccine injuries, as well as guidance throughout the compensation process.
Our support aims to take the pressure off of you so you can focus on your recovery.
Question: Does my compensation cover my attorney fees?
Answer: You will receive 100% of the award if the VICP compensates you for your vaccine-related injury.
As long as your case meets certain predetermined requirements, the VICP covers all of your legal costs regardless of your petition’s outcome. Once your case closes, the government pays for all attorney fees.
Question: Does the attorney who handles my vaccine injury case have to practice in my state?
Answer: No. You have the freedom to work with any attorney, regardless of the state they practice in. The VICP only requires that the attorney is admitted to practice before the vaccine court. If you live in any U.S. state or territory, our attorneys at Sands Anderson can provide the complete legal support you need, and we are ready to help you petition the VICP and pursue the vaccine injury compensation you deserve.
Question: Do I need to travel to Washington, D.C., to have my case heard by the vaccine court?
Answer: No. If your case goes to trial and you cannot travel to Washington, D.C., the vaccine court will come to you. Additionally, because the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) resolves most cases in a settlement, a trial may not be necessary. If you choose to work with our team at Sands Anderson, we will help you manage the necessary steps to address your specific case.
Vaccine Specifics
Question: How common are vaccine injuries?
Answer: The majority of vaccines are administered without problems. It is rare for injuries to occur, but when they do they can be serious.
Question: What vaccines are covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?
Answer: Several vaccines are covered by the VICP, including:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus or Pertussis (DTap, DT, Td, Tdap, DTP-Hib)
- Influenza (Flu)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Measles, Mumps, or Rubella (MMR or MMRV)
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4)
- Meningococcal Polysaccharide (MPSV4)
- Varicella/Chickenpox (VAR)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV or PCV13)
- Rotavirus (RV)
Question: Are all pneumococcal vaccines covered?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. The VICP only covers the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), also known as Prevnar. The VICP does not cover the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), Pneumovax.
Question: Does The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) cover the shingles vaccine?
Answer: The VICP does not cover the shingles vaccine (varicella zoster), because the Center for Disease and Control and Prevention doesn’t recommend it for children. The chicken pox vaccine (varicella), however, is intended for individuals over the age of 1, and injuries sustained from this vaccine may qualify for compensation.