Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine Lawsuit

Do you have a pertussis vaccine injury claim? Most people are immunized in childhood against pertussis (whooping cough), a serious disease that causes unstoppable spells of coughing. Infants are most vulnerable to this illness, which can be deadly. To prevent this disease, experts recommend a childhood vaccination, and then a booster shot during adolescence. Unfortunately, life-threatening pertussis vaccine side effects include severe allergic reaction, brain damage, seizures, death, and more.

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

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine injury claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by the pertussis 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.

UPDATE

September 14, 2012 — New research indicates that the effectiveness of DTaP to prevent Whooping Cough may decline more rapidly than previously thought. Although non-vaccinated children are far more likely to get the disease, researchers are finding that children who have been vaccinated have a 42% increased risk of getting Whooping Cough per year after their fifth dose of DTaP. Click here to read more.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine Overview

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes severe, uncontrollable fits of coughing. This coughing can interfere with breathing, eating, and swallowing. When the person tries to breathe, they make a “whooping” noise, which is how pertussis got the nickname “whooping cough.” The fits of coughing can last for several arduous weeks. Infants who have not yet had the vaccine are most vulnerable to infection and death.

Most children get the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine when they are children — most commonly the DTaP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), which is administered in 5 doses. Because the effectiveness of this vaccine wears off over time, experts recommend a booster shot, Tdap, during adolescence and adulthood.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine Side Effects

The risk of pertussis vaccine side effects is far less than the risk of getting pertussis or whooping cough without a vaccination. Every year, there are deadly outbreaks of this disease. Unfortunately, the vaccine itself is known to cause side effects which may also be deadly. Although exceptionally rare, pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine side effects can cause severe injury, physical disability, intellectual disability, or death.

Contact The Schmidt Firm, PLLC today regarding a pertussis vaccine injury claim if you or a loved one has suffered any vaccine injury, which may include:

• Allergic reaction, which may be life-threatening
• Anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock
• Encephalopathy (encephalitis)
• Seizure (staring or jerking) — approximately 1 per 14,000 children
• High fever (above 105) — approximately 1 per 16,000 children
• Long-term seizure disorders
• Coma
• Lowered consciousness
• Permanent brain damage
• Brachial neuritis (neurological and muscular disorder)
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• And more

Pertussis Vaccine Injury Claim

If you have a pertussis vaccine injury claim, you may be eligible for up to $250,000 in compensation. In 1989, the federal government set up the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which was funded by a $0.75 excise tax on all vaccines. The VICP is a special fund that has awarded more than $2.4 billion in compensation to the victims of vaccine injuries.

Are you eligible to file a vaccine injury lawsuit? You must meet the following criteria:

• The vaccine must have caused injury to you or your child. You may also file a claim if you are a legal guardian of a child or a disabled adult who was injured by the pertussis vaccine.
• The injury must be serious. The VICP only accepts claims for injuries that lasted for at least six months, or needed hospitalization, or needed surgery, or caused a disability or death.
• There is a time limit to filing a VICP vaccine injury claim. You have 2 years to file a claim for death, 3 years to file an injury claim, and 4 years for a claim of an injury that caused death.

If you have any questions, contact The Schmidt Firm, PLLC for more information regarding your pertussis vaccine injury claim.

Pertussis Vaccine Lawyer

Michael E. Schmidt, managing partner of The Schmidt Firm, PLLC, specializes in vaccine injury claims. Most people decide to hire a qualified vaccine injury attorney to handle their claim. The matter can take 2-3 years to adjudicate. Paperwork must be filed with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington D.C. An experienced attorney can help you gather the right medical records, evidence of your out-of-pocket expenses, and more. This helps ensure that you make the best case possible for the highest amount of money you deserve. Your claim may be eligible for up to $250,000.

Do I have a Pertussis Vaccine Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine injury claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by the pertussis 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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