It’s no secret that vaccines have the potential to cause serious injuries. The U.S. government has set up a program, called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), to help those who have been injured by vaccines receive the compensation they need and deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured by a vaccine, you may be wondering how to seek compensation in Tennessee. Here’s what you need to know.
How the VICP Works
The VICP was created in 1986 to provide a no-fault alternative to suing vaccine manufacturers or healthcare providers for injuries caused by vaccines. The program is overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is funded by an excise tax on certain vaccines.
To receive compensation through the VICP, you must first file a petition with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. If your petition is approved, you will then need to prove that your injury was caused by a vaccine covered by the program. If you are successful in doing so, you may be awarded compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It’s important to note that there is a statute of limitations for filing a petition under the VICP—you must do so within three years of the date of your injury or within two years of the date when you first became aware that your injury was caused by a vaccine.
Seeking Compensation in Tennessee State Court
If you miss the deadline for filing a petition under the VICP or if your injury is not covered by the program, you may still be able to seek compensation by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Tennessee state court.
To succeed in a medical malpractice claim, you will need to prove that your injury was caused by negligence on the part of your healthcare provider. This means showing that your provider failed to provide care that met the relevant standard of care and that this failure resulted in your injuries.
It’s important to note that there is also a statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim in Tennessee—you must do so within one year of discovering your injury or within three years of when your injury occurred, whichever comes first.
If you are seeking compensation for an injury caused by vaccination, it’s important to act quickly and consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Vaccines have the potential to cause serious injuries—and if you or a loved one has been injured as a result of vaccination, you may be entitled to compensation through either the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) or through filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Tennessee state court. However, it’s important to act quickly, as there are strict deadlines for both programs—so if you’ve been injured by a vaccine, contact an experienced attorney today who can help you seek the compensation you deserve.