Hib Vaccine Lawsuit

The Hib vaccine is a routine childhood immunization against a bacteria that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other life-threatening infections. Unfortunately, in very rare cases, the Hib vaccine itself causes serious harm. A life-threatening allergic reaction, for example, could cause severe injury, permanent disability, or death. If you or your loved one was harmed by the Hib vaccine or a combination vaccine containing Hib, you could be entitled to significant financial compensation by filing a Hib vaccine lawsuit.

What You Can Do & How a Hib Vaccine Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Hib vaccine injury claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by the Hib vaccine, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Vaccine Injury Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Hib Vaccine Overview

The Hib vaccine protects against several life-threatening diseases caused by a type of bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). This bacteria can cause the following infections:

• Meningitis: An infection of the protective covering around the brain, and also the spinal cord.
• Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs and upper respiratory tract
• Epiglottitis: A severe infection of the throat
• And other infections of the blood, bones, and joints

Health experts recommend that most children be vaccinated against Hib before they are five years old. It is usually given in four doses — at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months. Because the immunization schedule for the DTaP vaccine is similar to the Hib vaccine schedule, some children may be given a combination vaccine. Hib may also be combined with Hepatitis B vaccine or the Polio vaccine. Most preschools and grade schools require proof of Hib vaccination before allowing a child to enter the classroom.

Hib Vaccine Side Effects

Side effects from the Hib vaccine are mostly minor, and include fever, fussiness, redness, soreness at the injection site, and minor swelling. Some parents have also reported vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, prolonged crying, lack of appetite, and convulsions/shock.

Children who have recently been immunized with the Hib vaccine have a temporary decrease in protective antibody levels, and they are more vulnerable to Hib infection shortly after immunization.

One of the most serious Hib vaccine side effects is a life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. In some cases, the tongue and muscles in the throat may suddenly become very swollen, shutting off the airway within minutes. The lack of oxygen can cause severe injury, brain damage, disability, or death.

Another possible side effect is Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological disorder that can cause pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis of the limbs. It is unknown what causes this syndrome, and it is so rare that experts are unable to tell if it is caused by the vaccine or spontaneous.

Hib Vaccine Injury Claim

If you or your loved one has suffered a serious injury caused by the Hib vaccine, you could have a Hib vaccine injury claim. Although it is very rare, experts know that the Hib vaccine sometimes will cause a serious injury. To prevent injury lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers, and also to help the people injured by vaccines, Congress established the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in 1989. If you file a Hib vaccine injury claim, experts at the federal Vaccine Court in Washington D.C. will review your case, decide whether the vaccine likely caused your injury, and may award up to $250,000 in financial compensation for your injury.

Before you can file a Hib vaccine injury claim, you must meet several requirements. Only serious injuries are eligible for compensation. The Hib vaccine injury must have required hospitalization or surgery, or lasted at least six months, or caused death or disability. Only certain people are eligible to file a claim. The Hib vaccine must have harmed you, or your child, or your family member in some cases. Legal guardians of injured people could also be eligible. You must file your claim before the time limit expires. You have three years to file a claim or injury, two years for a claim for death, and four years for an injury that ultimately caused death.

The VICP has received a total of 25 Hiv vaccine lawsuits, including 22 for serious injuries and 3 for deaths. They have awarded compensation in 9 cases, and dismissed 12 cases.

Do I have a Hib Vaccine Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Hib Vaccine injury claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by the Hib vaccine, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Vaccine Injury Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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