Flu Vaccine Injury Client Receives Six-Figure Award
Ward Black Law is pleased to announce that compensation has been awarded to a North Carolina vaccine injury client. After receiving a flu vaccine, the client developed Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, also known as ADEM. This devastating neurological disease has caused her to endure numerous health issues and lasting disabilities. She will receive a lump sum of $237,500 for these damages from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
The Case
When our client received the influenza vaccine on September 26, 2012, she was suffering from pneumonia at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. More commonly known as the flu shot, this vaccine was administered on the day she was admitted to the hospital. Despite her short bout of pneumonia, our client was a healthy 63-year-old woman who enjoyed activities such as tennis, painting and other forms of art.
The client made a full recovery from pneumonia and was discharged from the hospital on October 1, 2012. In the days following, however, she began to experience a new set of symptoms including an altered mental status, inability to eat/drink and failure to thrive. She was transported to the emergency room and readmitted to the hospital with weakness, headache, nausea, vision problems, speech issues and confusion. An MRI of the brain (taken on October 3, 2012) indicated abnormalities consistent with ADEM. After extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other forms of rehabilitation, the client made some improvement; however, she continues to suffer from devastating neurological symptoms.
Seeking Justice for Injury
Attorney Nancy Meyers from Ward Black Law successfully petitioned for funds from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program before the US Court of Federal Claims, claiming that the client’s ADEM was a direct and proximate result of the flu vaccine administered on September 26, 2012.
Because her injuries are persistent and will affect her for the rest of her life, she was awarded compensation for pain and suffering, as well as lost wages and unreimbursed medical expenses. This compensation was awarded to our client in a lump sum of $237,500. Attorney fees and other costs are also being covered by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and will not reduce the client’s recovery funds.
More About ADEM
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare condition that can be triggered by the body’s response to a vaccination. It affects the central nervous system causing inflammation and demyelination – damage to the myelin sheath, a protective coating around nerves. This damage is caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue and cells as if they were a virus or foreign body. For this reason, ADEM is often categorized as an autoimmune disorder similar to Multiple Sclerosis. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Movement issues
- Muscle weakness (often on one side of the body)
- Decreased coordination
- Vision problems
- Speech difficulties
Although ADEM is often triggered by infections, in some cases, it is brought on by vaccinations. Symptoms often begin within several days after the vaccine is administered. Other medical conditions that can be brought on by vaccinations include Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), transverse myelitis, cerebellitis, uveitis and dermatologic conditions. Ward Black Law has represented clients with each of these conditions, among others.
Contact Our Vaccine Attorneys Today
If you or a family member has suffered a life-changing condition after a flu vaccine, contact us today. Nancy Meyers is an experienced attorney with a background in medical malpractice and vaccine injuries. She has been admitted to the US Court of Federal Claims, allowing her to represent clients who have been injured by vaccines. Along with the experienced team at Ward Black Law, she can help you seek compensation for pain and suffering, unreimbursed medical expenses and other losses. Call 336-502-6208 or schedule a case review today.
