Flu Vaccines
Injury Attorneys Serving Memphis and Beyond
The Influenza Vaccine, commonly referred to as the flu shot, is one of the most widespread and commonly used vaccines today. It is administered to combat the flu virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), millions of people get the flu vaccine every year, with hundreds of thousands of people being hospitalized as a result. In the United States, “Flu Season” typically starts as early as October and sometimes lasts into May. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older get the flu vaccine every season. Most flu shots do exactly what they are intended to do: stop the flu. However, at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our Memphis flu vaccine injury lawyers have seen these vaccines cause unintended consequences in the form of debilitating injuries and disorders.
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
In the 1980s, the United States Congress created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), recognizing while vaccines can combat disease and promote safety, they are not without error. Most vaccinations are administered safely, but some shots can lead to highly negative consequences in the form of permanent injuries or death. Claims for vaccine injuries are handled in the Federal Claims Court, where our lawyers who handle cases involving flu shot injuries are licensed to appear. If it is proven that your injuries were caused by a flu shot, you may be able to recover compensation such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Adverse Side Effects Associated With the Flu Vaccine
The flu shot has been linked with several severe and life-altering reactions in residents of cities like Memphis and nearby areas. If you or a loved one has experienced abnormal symptoms after receiving a flu vaccine, you should first seek medical treatment. You can also consult with a flu vaccine injury attorney in the Memphis area who is experienced in handling claims involving flu shot injuries to learn about your rights. Normal symptoms after receiving the flu vaccination include fever, aches, soreness or swelling where the shot was given, runny nose, headaches, vomiting, and coughing. These symptoms are generally short-lived. On the other hand, abnormal symptoms and potentially debilitating injuries could include the following:
- Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)
- Reactions generally begin minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. Symptoms could result in inflammatory responses that obstruct airways, abnormally low blood pressure, abnormally low or fast heart beat, or abnormal heart rhythm.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- GBS is a rare disease that causes one’s own immune system to attack nerve cells in the body which could lead to muscle weakness and, in some cases, paralysis. GBS is a very serious disease that effects approximately 3,000-6,000 people each year.
- Shoulder Injuries (SIRVA)
- SIRVA results from the unintended injection of a vaccine antigen or trauma from the needle when it was inserted into the shoulder. SIRVA is generally caused by injuries to the tendons, ligaments, or bursae. Flu vaccine recipients are considered to have suffered from SIRVA if they (1) have no history of pain, inflammation, or dysfunction of the shoulder; (2) the pain occurs within 48 hours after the administration; (3) the pain is limited to the shoulder the vaccine was administered; and (4) no other condition is present that would explain the claimed injury.
- Transverse Myelitis (TM)
- TM is a neurological disorder that causes inflammation of the spinal cord. Symptoms often observed with TM patients are weakness of legs and arms, heightened sensitivity to touch, bowel dysfunction, and muscle pain to the back or sharp radiating pain in arms and legs.
Speak With a Flu Vaccine Injury Lawyer in Memphis or Beyond Today
The flu shot is one of the most commonly received immunizations that can cause debilitating injuries and adverse reactions. Those who suffer from these side effects can be forced to change their way of life, incur costly medical bills, and have to miss work. At Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our flu shot lawyers are ready and willing to speak with you today about your case. You may qualify for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) created by Congress, and we can fight for you before the Federal Claims Court. Our law firm, with 30+ personal injury attorneys, helps people injured nationwide in areas such as defective drugs and medical malpractice, including states such as Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois. We are committed to providing compassionate client service and legal representation, and we are available 24/7 to take your call. Contact our Memphis flu vaccine injury attorneys by calling 800-529-4004 or by completing our online form today for a free consultation. Let us show you the NST way.
