MMR VACCINE INJURY

MMR vaccines are meant to protect us from Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. However, like all vaccinations, there is a small chance of complications and side effects. It is crucial to get in touch with a doctor and a vaccine injury attorney if you or a loved one had an adverse reaction to an MMR vaccine. If you experienced an injury such as Encephalitis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or SIRVA after receiving an MMR vaccine, you may be eligible for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. At DuPont and Blumenstiel, our vaccine injury attorneys in Dublin, Ohio work tirelessly to pursue justice on behalf of our clients.

What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is a type of vaccine which is meant to protect us from three infectious viral diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. It typically is administered in two doses. Children normally receive their first dose between the ages of 12 and 15 months, and their second dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years.

• MEASLES (M) is characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, which are frequently followed by a rash that covers the entire body. It can cause seizures, ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia. It is considered the most dangerous of the three diseases.

• MUMPS (M) is characterized by fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and swollen and tender salivary glands beneath the ears. It can cause deafness, brain and/or spinal cord swelling, and in rare cases, death.

• RUBELLA (R) causes fever, sore throat, rash, headache, and eye irritation. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, she may miscarry or have a baby with serious birth defects.

Possible Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine

MMR vaccines have a low risk of side effects but can still cause harm Mild and moderate illnesses can range from a fever and a light rash to a seizure and brief joint pain. Occasionally, the MMR can cause serious adverse reactions.

The following are a few examples of severe side effects that could result from receiving the MMR vaccine:

• Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

• Anaphylaxis

• Transverse Myelitis (TM)

• Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

• Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

• Chronic Arthritis

• Encephalitis

• Long-term seizures

• Other immunological reactions

If you were diagnosed with any of these injuries after receiving an MMR vaccine, it’s important to contact an experienced vaccine injury attorney. There are time limits on when to file a claim.

Want to learn more about the benefits and side effects of the MMR vaccine? Check out the Vaccine Information System webpage here.

Can I be compensated after an MMR vaccine injury?

Yes, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) was established by the federal government to provide financial assistance to those who sustain injuries as a result of certain vaccines such as the MMR vaccine. The program is funded by taxes imposed upon each vaccine sold.

If you've been injured by a vaccine and want to seek compensation for your injuries and damages, you will need to file a claim with the Federal Court of Claims in Washington, D.C. You could be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future wage loss, and past and future pain and suffering.

Pursuing compensation through the Federal Court of Claims is a complex process. Consequently, many people choose to hire legal representation. If you experienced an adverse reaction after receiving an MMR vaccine, it’s important to contact an experienced vaccine injury attorney as soon as possible. There are time limits on when to file a claim, so it is important not to delay. At DuPont and Blumenstiel, our vaccine injury attorneys work tirelessly to pursue justice on behalf of our vaccine-inured clients.

LEARN IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A CLAIM

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Who can file a claim with the NVICP?

You may file a petition if you:

• were injured after receiving a covered vaccine,

• are the parent or legal guardian of a child or disabled adult who received a covered vaccine, and you believe they were injured by it, or

• believe that a covered vaccine caused the death of a family member or loved one.

Are There Any Restrictions on Presenting a Claim and Obtaining Compensation?

There are some important limitations on who can successfully pursue a vaccine claim. Your claim must involve a vaccine covered by the NVICP. Unfortunately, the COVID vaccine is not currently covered by the NVICP. It is covered by another federal program called the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP).

Additionally, to qualify for compensation, your symptoms must have lasted for six months or longer, required extensive hospitalization and surgery, or resulted in death.

Finally, you must file your claim (called a “petition”) with the Federal Court of Claims in Washington, D.C. before the Statute of Limitations expires.

Statute of Limitation Deadlines for Vaccine Injury Claims

Just like many other areas of law, vaccine injury claims have a statute of limitations.

For cases in which the petitioner did not die, the statute of limitations is 3 years from the first onset of symptoms. At DuPont & Blumenstiel, we like to play it safe and base our cases on the date of vaccination. For cases in which the petitioner died, the statute of limitations is 24 months from the date of death, but not more than 4 years from the date of vaccination.

It's important to keep these deadlines in mind so you don't miss them! If you believe you've suffered an adverse reaction to a vaccine, the time to act is now.

Will I Have to Pay Attorney’s Fees and Case-Related Expenses?

Understandably, many people worry that they will be held responsible for paying attorney’s fees if they decide to pursue a vaccine claim. One great aspect of the NVICP is that our clients don’t have to pay our fees or case-related expenses. The Federal Court of Claims will pay the attorney's fees and other legal costs.

Hiring a Vaccine Injury Attorney

Receiving compensation through the NVICP is complex, which is why it’s important to consult with a vaccine injury lawyer. An experienced vaccine attorney will be able to help you better understand your options. Don't wait. There are deadlines to file your claim. The experienced vaccine injury attorneys at the Law Offices of DuPont and Blumenstiel can help. Call us today at 614-389-9711 for a case evaluation.

Want to learn more about the NVICP? Download our Consumer's Guide to Vaccine-Related Injuries here.