Legal Help for Flu Vaccine Reactions
Millions of people receive flu shots each year, but for some, the vaccine causes serious complications. If you or a loved one experienced a severe reaction, Hultquist Law, P.C. can help you seek compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Common Flu Vaccine Injuries
We represent clients suffering from:
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) – A neurological disorder causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and long-term disability.
- Autoimmune Disorders – Flu shots have been linked to chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the nervous system.
- Severe Allergic Reactions – Anaphylaxis and other life-threatening allergic responses.
- Chronic Shoulder Pain & SIRVA – Incorrect vaccine administration can lead to prolonged shoulder pain and reduced mobility.
- Encephalopathy – Brain dysfunction resulting in confusion, memory loss, or seizures in rare cases.
Why Choose Hultquist Law for Flu Vaccine Injury Cases?
✔ Proven Experience – We have successfully represented clients in flu vaccine injury claims.
✔ No Legal Fees for You – The VICP covers attorney costs, so you pay nothing upfront.
✔ Personalized Legal Support – We offer one-on-one consultations to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the flu shot cause Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
Yes, in rare cases, the flu vaccine can lead to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. Most people have no issues with the flu shot, but if you or someone you know develops symptoms like muscle weakness, tingling, or trouble walking within a few weeks after getting vaccinated, it’s important to get medical care right away. GBS from a flu vaccine is recognized by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which may provide compensation for related costs. Every case is different, so if you’re dealing with a possible vaccine injury, Hultquist Law can help you understand your legal rights and next steps.
What is SIRVA and how does it happen from a flu shot?
SIRVA, or Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration, happens when a flu shot is given too high or deep into the shoulder, causing pain and limited movement. It’s more serious than normal post-shot soreness—people often feel sharp or lasting pain that doesn’t go away in a day or two. This can lead to problems like bursitis or tendon damage. If you develop shoulder pain within 48 hours of a flu shot and had no prior shoulder issues, you may qualify for compensation through a federal program called the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Hultquist Law helps people in all 50 states understand if they have a valid claim. If you are experiencing ongoing shoulder pain after a recent vaccination, it’s smart to speak with a doctor and contact Hultquist Law for guidance on what to do next.
Can the flu shot cause serious allergic reactions or complications?
Yes, the flu shot can rarely cause serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis or complications such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), but these cases are very uncommon. Most people only have mild side effects, like arm soreness or a low fever. However, if you or a loved one experiences unusual symptoms like trouble breathing, severe weakness, or numbness after a flu vaccine, it’s important to get medical help right away. In rare cases, these reactions may qualify for compensation through the federal vaccine injury program. Hultquist Law helps people from anywhere in the United States understand if they have a case and guides them through the legal process. If you are unsure whether your reaction qualifies, it’s a good idea to contact us for a consultation.
What should I do if I suspect a flu vaccine injury?
If you suspect a flu vaccine injury, it’s important to act quickly. Start by seeing a doctor right away—this protects your health and helps create a medical record that may link the vaccine to your symptoms. Next, keep track of your symptoms, medical visits, and how the injury affects your daily life. Make sure you or your doctor reports the reaction to VAERS, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Finally, talk to a lawyer who understands vaccine injury claims. Hultquist Law helps people nationwide with these types of cases. Since strict deadlines apply, it’s smart to get legal advice early to see if you may qualify for compensation.
Do I need to sue my doctor or the vaccine manufacturer if I’m hurt by a flu shot?
No, you don’t need to sue your doctor or the vaccine manufacturer if you’re injured by a flu shot or COVID vaccine. These types of claims are handled through a federal program called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), not state courts. You’re not filing a lawsuit against your doctor or a drug company—instead, your case goes to a special vaccine court in Washington, D.C. The system is designed to be simpler than a lawsuit and doesn’t require proving that anyone made a mistake. If you believe a vaccine caused your injury, Hultquist Law can help you file a VICP claim and guide you through the process. Every case is different, so it’s best to consult with an experienced vaccine injury attorney to understand your options.
What compensation is available for a flu vaccine injury in Rhode Island or Massachusetts?
If you live in the United States and were injured by a flu vaccine, you may qualify for compensation through the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This can include money for medical bills, lost income if you missed work, and pain and suffering caused by the injury. In some cases, family members may also receive benefits if the injury led to death. Each case is reviewed individually, so the amount and type of compensation depend on how the injury affected your life. Hultquist Law helps people not just in New England, but in all 50 states, understand what they may be entitled to and guides them through the legal process. A consultation can help determine what your specific case may qualify for.
How long do I have to file a COVID or flu vaccine injury claim?
If you were injured by a flu vaccine, you usually have 3 years from the date your first symptoms appeared to file a vaccine injury claim through the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If the injury led to death, the deadline is shorter—2 years from the date of death. These deadlines can be confusing, and missing them could mean losing your right to compensation. At this time, injuries related to COVID-19 vaccines are not covered under the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If injured by the COVID-19 vaccine, currently it must be filed within 1 year under the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP). As such, Hultquist Law is not currently accepting COVID-19 vaccine-related cases. However, we are gathering contact information from individuals who may have been affected, in case future legal developments provide new opportunities for compensation. At Hultquist Law, we help clients across RI, MA, and the rest of the United States figure out their exact timelines based on their medical history. If you think a vaccine may have caused a serious injury, it’s best to speak with a lawyer right away to protect your rights.
Do I need a lawyer for a flu or COVID vaccine injury claim and how much will it cost?
You’re not required to have a lawyer to file a flu or COVID vaccine injury claim, but it’s usually a smart move. Vaccine injury claims go through a special federal program with its own court and rules, and the process can be confusing without legal experience. At Hultquist Law, we’ve handled many vaccine injury cases in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the rest of the United States, and we know what medical records and expert opinions are needed to help your case succeed. The best part? You won’t pay anything out-of-pocket for legal help.
The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) pays attorney fees separately, as long as your claim has a reasonable basis. If you think you may have a vaccine-related injury, it’s worth speaking to a Hultquist Law lawyer to understand your options and avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim. At this time, injuries related to COVID-19 vaccines are not covered under the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). As such, Hultquist Law is not currently accepting COVID-19 vaccine-related cases. However, we are gathering contact information from individuals who may have been affected, in case future legal developments provide new opportunities for compensation.