Brachial neuritis is an inflammatory condition that can cause severe pain, weakness and even paralysis in the arm and shoulder. It affects the brachial plexus, which is the bundle of nerves that runs between the neck and the shoulder. Among a variety of causes, brachial neuritis is known to result from errors during vaccine injections.
Although rare overall, vaccine-related shoulder injuries have been on the rise in recent years. As a result, all individuals getting themselves and their children vaccinated should be aware of the risk of brachial neuritis.
How Vaccine Injections Can Cause Brachial Neuritis
When doctors, nurses and pharmacists administer vaccinations, there are clear guidelines they are supposed to follow. These guidelines address everything from appropriate needle length (based upon the vaccine recipient’s sex and weight) to the proper method for removing the needle from the shoulder, and they are intended specifically to reduce the risk of vaccine-related shoulder injuries.
Unfortunately, doctors, nurses and pharmacists make mistakes, and recent data suggest that they may be making harmful mistakes with increasing frequency. Injecting vaccines too high on the shoulder and too deep into the arm are among the most-common types of vaccination errors, and both of these errors are known risk factors for brachial neuritis.
Potential Long-Term Effects of Brachial Neuritis
While brachial neuritis can be treated, recovery takes time, and some individuals diagnosed with brachial neuritis resulting from a vaccination error experience permanent consequences. These consequences can include permanent weakness and loss of sensation in the arm; and, in a small percentage of cases, patients have reported permanent arm immobility. Seeking prompt treatment (which may involve surgery) can help reduce the risk of long-term effects, and seeking compensation can help ensure that the costs of treatment will not serve as a roadblock to making a full recovery.
Seeking Compensation for Brachial Neuritis as a Vaccine Injury
Anyone who has been diagnosed with brachial neuritis resulting from a vaccine administration error should be aware of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal government program that makes compensation available to individuals who have been diagnosed with certain vaccine-related injuries, including brachial neuritis.
Unlike typical personal injury lawsuits, VICP claims are filed against the government, and petitioners do not need to prove fault in order to recover compensation. In fact, for certain vaccines, brachial neuritis is presumed to be vaccine-related if symptoms develop between two and 28 days following the date of vaccination. In addition, under the VICP:
- Individuals diagnosed with brachial neuritis can seek full compensation for their medical bills and lost income, and up to $250,000 in compensation for pain and suffering.
- Petitioners’ legal fees are covered separately from their awards of financial compensation.
- Injured vaccine recipients typically have up to 36 months from the date of vaccination to file their claims for financial compensation. However, there are exceptions, and there are certain practical benefits to filing a claim as soon as possible.
Get Help for Brachial Neuritis Resulting from a Vaccination
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with brachial neuritis following a vaccination, the Center for Vaccine Shoulder Pain Recovery can help. To learn more about filing a claim for compensation and to find out important steps you should be taking to protect your rights, call (844) 789-2047 or inquire online to schedule a free consultation.