Vaccines for the flu, meningitis, and other diseases have been associated with rare cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a condition that can cause paralysis, chronic pain, muscle weakness, and even death.
Need a Texas Vaccine Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Vaccines and Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) occurs when a person’s own immune system damages the nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. Many types of infections, and in very rare cases vaccines, may activate the immune system to cause damage to the nerve cells.
Vaccines linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome:
- Flu Vaccine: The swine flu (H1N1) vaccine was linked to an unexplained, sharp increase in GBS cases in 1977-1977. From 1990-2003, the seasonal flu vaccine was linked to over 500 cases of GBS, according to a study published in JAMA.
- Meningitis Vaccine: Menactra® (MCV4 meningococcal meningitis vaccine) was linked to 26 cases of GBS, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
The symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome typically begin suddenly in the hands or feet and progress upwards. The first symptoms are usually muscle weakness, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensations.
These symptoms progressively increase in intensity over the next two weeks. The most severe cases of GBS cause paralysis, including muscles that you need to breathe. It can also lead to deadly heart problems. Although most people survive GBS, about 30% still have residual symptoms (such as weakness) after three years.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome:
- Tingling or pain in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
- Sudden, symmetrical weakness
- Loss of muscle reflexes
- Facial weakness (trouble talking, chewing, or swallowing)
- Changes in sensation of touch, pain, temperature, texture, etc.
- Paralysis
- Problems breathing
- Heart rhythm or blood pressure problems
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
If you were diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome after receiving a vaccine, you may be eligible for compensation through a federal program known as the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
This program is funded by a $0.75 excise tax on all vaccines. Since 1989, it has paid out more than $2.8 billion to thousands of people who developed severe side effects after receiving a vaccine. Each claimant is eligible for up to $250,000 in compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability, and more.
You are not required to have an attorney to file a claim, but since it is a legal process, most people use an attorney. Even if your claim is not awarded compensation, the program reimburses reasonable attorney’s fees. An attorney can also help you make the best case possible.
Need a Guillain-Barré Syndrome Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Guillain-Barré Syndrome lawyers for a free lawsuit review.