Vaccination Injury in Oakland, CA
As vaccination rates continue to rise in the United States, there has been an increased focus on injury concerns. However, this area of law is complex, and Oakland residents may have questions about their legal rights.
This article will provide an overview of your options and help you determine your eligibility. Regardless, you should speak with a local vaccine injury attorney to verify your status. But this quick guide will give you the foundational understanding you need to get started.
What Is a Vaccination Injury?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccines contain a weakened form of a disease. Pharmaceutical companies include it in the ingredients because it stimulates the production of antibodies. Therefore, vaccination effectively protects the recipient from contracting the illness.
Most individuals who get vaccinated experience an increase in immunity. However, some people may encounter health issues. If this occurs, a lawyer in Oakland, California can assist in evaluating your eligibility to file a claim.
Calculating the number of people who experience vaccine-related injuries each year in Oakland can be daunting. Additionally, establishing a correlation between vaccination and medical conditions can be difficult. Nevertheless, the federal government has a Vaccine Injury Compensation Program for the public’s benefit.
What Are Some Common Types of Vaccination Injuries?
Feeling slight soreness at the injection site of a vaccine is a common reaction. However, vaccines should not result in any major harm. If you or someone you care about has suffered, consult an experienced vaccination injury lawyer in Oakland.
Thrombocytopenia
You may have heard of thrombocytopenia concerning the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The condition causes a low platelet count that leads to bleeding and bruising. Other symptoms you may experience include the following:
- Severe headache
- Abdominal pain
- Leg swelling
- Shortness of breath
Syncope
Syncope, or fainting, is a temporary loss of consciousness. It can happen after vaccination, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Researchers connect it to the vasovagal response, which can cause a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Nonetheless, Pain, anxiety, and fear of needles are usually the source of the problem.
Vaccination-Related Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries in Oakland, CA may arise either from the injection technique or the vaccine’s contents. These injuries can result in a range of symptoms, from persistent pain to complete loss of muscle movement. While these injuries are typically temporary, they can sometimes become permanent.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Various types of vaccines, including the annual flu shot, have associations with Guillain-Barre syndrome. This condition causes the immune system to attack nerve cells, resulting in damage.
Symptoms of this condition can differ but often include muscle weakness and paralysis. In most cases, these symptoms resolve within a few weeks. However, Guillain-Barre syndrome can also cause lasting nerve damage, leading to ongoing complications.
Anaphylaxis
In Oakland, healthcare professionals should screen patients for known allergies before administering vaccines. A recipient allergic to any ingredients may experience adverse reactions.
Hives, fevers, fainting, shortness of breath, and even anaphylaxis can occur, which can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, an individual may not know about their allergy until after receiving the vaccine.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the brain tissue, can occur due to an infection. Alternatively, it could be part of the body’s immune response to an infection.
Symptoms of encephalitis may include pain, fever, headaches, fatigue, and weakness. Although these symptoms should subside, doctors must monitor this potentially life-threatening condition.
Myelitis
Myelitis is a condition characterized by inflammation in the spinal cord. Despite ongoing research, the underlying causes of myelitis remain poorly understood.
However, some patients have experienced spinal cord inflammation after vaccines. The swelling can result in several complications, including paralysis, pain, and loss of muscular control.
What Are Some of the Vaccines, Conditions, and Injuries Covered by Law?
The Vaccine Injury Table lists vaccines and the associated injuries or conditions that are eligible for compensation. It provides a standard set of guidelines, and we have included some notable examples in this section.
Anaphylaxis and DTaP Vaccines
Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. In some cases, it happens after receiving the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine. If an individual experiences anaphylaxis within four hours, they may receive compensation.
An individual who experiences this complication in Oakland must meet the criteria. They must provide medical records that show a diagnosis and a relationship between the vaccine and their symptoms.
Encephalitis and MMR Vaccines
Encephalitis is a rare condition characterized by inflammation of the brain. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine can instigate it in rare circumstances. The exact mechanism that causes it is not fully understood, but it is an immune response to the vaccine.
Patients in Oakland that experience this complication 5 – 15 days from vaccination may have a case. If you or a loved one experiences one of these symptoms, find medical attention immediately:
- Fever
- Headache
- Confusion
- Seizures
What Is the Legal Process for a Vaccination Injury?
If you have sustained a vaccine-related injury in Oakland, California, seek immediate medical attention. Also, consult with a qualified legal professional as soon as possible. A vaccine injury can have severe consequences that disrupt your life, and you may deserve compensation.
DHHS runs the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program currently. An experienced legal professional in Oakland can assist in determining whether they will consider you eligible. They can also explain other legal options, such as filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer or healthcare provider.
Navigating the claims process can be complex, and failing to assert your claim correctly may result in a denial. Therefore, it is crucial to pursue the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney to increase your odds of success.
Your attorney may file a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. This judiciary has jurisdiction over cases filed under the federal vaccine injury program.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Oakland, California
The primary goal of getting vaccinated is to maintain good health. However, if you suffer an injury, it can significantly impact your life. While you may be eligible for compensation, claims can be a burden. Therefore, it is vital to seek the assistance of a vaccine injury attorney in Oakland, CA.
If you want to hire a vaccination injury lawyer, we are here for you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across California state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784!
