You may be eligible if you received a covered vaccine in the U.S., suffered an injury lasting more than six months, required hospitalization or surgery due to the vaccine, or if the injury resulted in death. U.S. citizenship is not required, but the vaccine must have been administered in the U.S. or fall under specific exceptions.
First, you collect all necessary medical records and documentation. Then, you file your claim with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which includes a $400 filing fee. Your claim is reviewed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice. A special master evaluates your case and decides if compensation is warranted.
Generally, you must file within three years from the first sign of injury, or, for wrongful death claims, within two years of death (but also within four years of the first symptom). If a new vaccine is added to the table, there’s a two-year window for related claims, but only for injuries within the last eight years.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in the case of death, death benefits. Attorney fees are often paid by the fund, so you usually won’t have to pay out of pocket for legal services if your claim is valid.
If you’ve suffered an adverse reaction after a vaccination in Illinois, your claim will likely go through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), rather than a traditional court case. A vaccine injury lawyer can help gather your medical records, prepare your petition, and represent you through the federal claims process to pursue the compensation you deserve.
You are not required to have a lawyer, but most people choose to hire one since the process is legalistic and can be complex. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program covers attorney fees if your claim has merit, making it accessible to pursue expert legal help without financial risk.