The VCIP Offers Compensation for Those Suffering from Vaccine Side-Effects

Since 1986, a little-known program of the federal government, called National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), has been awarding money to persons suffering from side-effects of certain vaccines. The VICP compensates individuals who experience a Vaccine Injury, which occurs when a child or adult experiences certain adverse reactions after receiving one of several vaccinations covered under the VICP. The vaccines include diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, DTaP, Tdap, DTP, P, DTP-Hib, DT, Td, TT, measles, mumps, rubella, MMR, hepatitis, varicella, chicken pox, rotavirus, pneumococcal conjugate, meningococcal, PCV, Prevnar, polio, OPV, IPV, trivalent influenza, seasonal flu, flu shots, human papillomavirus, HPV, and Gardasil.

Claims for compensation to the VICP are made to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims located in Washington, D.C., by filing a petition.  Most “petitioners” are represented by lawyers. An attorney representing a petitioner must be admitted to practice in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.  A unique feature of the VICP is that the VICP will pay the lawyer's fees, whether or not the petitioner is entitled to recover. If the person is entitled to recover compensation, the attorney's fees are paid separately from the amount they receive. Therefore, there is no reason for a person to not be represented by a lawyer in a Vaccine Injury claim.

Compensation from the VICP can include…

• Unreimbursed medical expenses (those not paid by health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare), and certain costs associated with ongoing care resulting from the Vaccine Injury

• Past and anticipated lost earnings or wages caused by the Vaccine Injury

• Past and projected pain and suffering and emotional distress from the Vaccine Injury, up to $250,000

The firm of Moore, Corbett, Moeller & Meis, LLP has been representing clients with Vaccine Injury claims since 1998.  The firm does not charge persons any fees for services to visit about and investigate the claim.  And if the case meets certain minimal requirements, the firm will pursue the claim at no charge for fees. Also, the firm will often advance the expenses incurred to pursue the claim.