Vaccines are among the most significant scientific and medical discoveries in the history of mankind, and have saved millions of lives. Despite, government regulations and scientific testing, vaccines are not risk-free. Serious complications can occur. It is important to know and evaluate the risks and benefits, both known and potential, from the use of any medical product, including vaccines. Some of the adverse events associated with vaccines are known, and some are not. It is important to know what to expect and to be prepared to take necessary action. It is also important to inquire why an unknown adverse reaction occurs, and to make the necessary inquiry to determine the actual safety of the vaccine. This is particularly true with vaccines involving healthy children and individuals who suffer adverse events.

Given the widespread use of childhood vaccines, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act was enacted. The act requires health care providers and vaccine manufacturer to report specified adverse events. This includes specific vaccines and a list of injuries, disabilities, illnesses, conditions and deaths for which compensation may be available under the act. Vaccine manufacturers are required to report every adverse event of which they learn. The NCVIA led to the creation of a unified national system to collect, manage and evaluate these adverse event reports. This system called VAERS is jointly managed by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is VAERS. VAERS receives 11,000 to 12,000 reports per year of which approximately 15 percent of the reports describe a "serious" event, which is considered fatal, life-threatening, or resulting in hospitalization or permanent disability

If you or your child suffer an adverse event caused by a vaccination you may have a valid claim for compensation. Legal claims involving vaccines may involve complex legal, medical and technical issues. The following are a few important legal, factual and evidentiary matters that should be considered when evaluating a claim .

• What was the specific vaccine involved?

• Who manufactured the vaccine, when was it produced, and distributed?

• Do you have information regarding the specific vaccine used such as documents regarding batch identification?

• Whom was the doctor prescribing the vaccination, and was the adverse event reported to the doctor?

• Did the doctor explain the possibility of adverse events prior to it’s use?

• Was the doctor notified of the adverse event, and provide appropriate medical care?

• What are the nature and extent of any injuries?

• For death cases, was an autopsy performed?

• Was the cause of death determined?

• Has a scientist or doctor evaluated the circumstances of the injuries or death and reached a conclusion about the causation?

It is important that an experienced legal team evaluate a vaccine related claim. Complex legal, factual, and evidentiary issues may be involved. If you, a friend, or loved one are injured from a vaccine, you should take immediate steps to protect your or their interest. Do not compromise your rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, and do not sign anything. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to your claim. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using the following Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.