Navigating Vaccine Injury Claims with Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam
In May of 2025, Robert Fitzgerald, Esq., an associate at Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam, presented at a continuing education forum on the legal and ethical dimensions of vaccine injuries. He discussed the history and the critical role of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in supporting individuals affected by vaccine-related injuries.
At Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam, we are dedicated to helping clients navigate this unique legal process to secure deserved compensation. Below, we outline what vaccine injuries are, how to pursue a claim, and why our firm is your trusted partner in this journey.
Attorney Robert Fitzgerald’s Presentation
Understanding Vaccine Injuries
Vaccines are a vital tool in safeguarding public health. Vaccines protect from illnesses like seasonal influenza and have eradicated fatal diseases like smallpox. However, in rare instances, vaccines can cause adverse effects, leading to injuries that may qualify for compensation under the VICP.
Established by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, the VICP is a no-fault federal program designed to compensate individuals harmed by certain vaccines, including MMR, rotavirus, and seasonal influenza (excluding COVID-19 vaccines, which are handled separately). Common covered injuries include:
- Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction post-vaccination.
- Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA): Persistent pain or limited mobility of the shoulder due to vaccine administration.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): A rare neurological condition.
- Encephalopathy: Brain dysfunction linked to a vaccine.
- Intussusception: A serious bowel obstruction.
Funded by a small premium on covered vaccines, the VICP has amassed billions to compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This program ensures support for those affected without deterring vaccine innovation.
How to Pursue a Vaccine Injury Claim
If you suspect a vaccine-related injury, acting promptly and strategically is essential. Here is a step-by-step guide to seeking compensation through the VICP:
- Identify the Injury: Work with your healthcare provider to document symptoms and establish a potential connection to a recent vaccination. Symptoms like severe shoulder pain, neurological issues, or allergic reactions may indicate a compensable injury.
- Compile Evidence: Medical records, vaccination documentation, and physician testimony are critical. As Attorney Fitzgerald emphasized in his presentation, treating physicians’ records or affidavits carry significant weight in VICP proceedings.
- Partner with Expert Counsel: The VICP process involves strict deadlines and complex medical-legal issues. Experienced attorneys ensure your petition is robust and well-presented, maximizing your chance of success.
- Adjudication and Compensation: A special master reviews the evidence, often engaging with both parties, to determine eligibility and award compensation. The process is designed to be swift yet fair, balancing streamlined proceedings with thorough evaluation.
Why Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam?
At Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam, we bring unparalleled expertise to vaccine injury cases, as showcased by Attorney Robert Fitzgerald’s contribution to the continuing education forum. As the largest VICP firm in Pittsburgh, PA, we have a proven track record of success in handling these specialized cases. Here’s why clients trust us:
- Knowledge: Our team of attorneys has extensive experience with the VICP and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. We can navigate the program’s unique requirements to ensure your case is good hands.
- Advocacy for You: We collaborate closely with clients and their healthcare providers to build strong, evidence-based claims.
- Proven Results: Based in Pittsburgh, our firm is proud to serve vaccine-injury clients nationwide, leveraging our experience to advocate for those affected by vaccine injuries.
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Take Action Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a vaccine-related injury, don’t delay. Contact Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam for a free consultation. Our team, led by attorneys like Robert Fitzgerald, Esq., is ready to guide you through the VICP process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 412-338-1800 to learn more.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney for guidance specific to your case.