Vaccines are a powerful tool for protecting public health, but like any medical intervention, they carry a small risk of adverse effects. In rare cases, individuals experience severe reactions or long-term complications that lead to lasting physical, emotional, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has suffered a vaccine injury in Connecticut, understanding your legal options is the first step toward seeking compensation and accountability.

This article breaks down how vaccine injury claims work, what legal avenues are available to Connecticut residents, and how a vaccine injury lawyer can help guide you through the process.

Understanding Vaccine Injuries and Their Impact

A vaccine injury refers to a serious or unexpected adverse reaction following the administration of a vaccine. While most side effects are minor—such as temporary soreness or mild fever—some individuals may develop more severe complications, including:

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
  
• Anaphylaxis
  
• Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
  
• Vasovagal syncope (fainting-related injuries)
  
• Seizures or neurological damage
  
• Autoimmune complications
  

These conditions may require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or even long-term care. In some cases, vaccine injuries result in permanent disability or death. Although rare, these injuries are recognized at the federal level and are covered under a specific legal compensation system.

Filing a Vaccine Injury Claim in Connecticut

Unlike standard personal injury lawsuits, vaccine injury claims do not go through traditional courts. Instead, they are handled through a federal program known as the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This no-fault system was established in the 1980s to provide compensation to individuals harmed by covered vaccines, while protecting vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits that could threaten public immunization programs.

Connecticut residents file their claims in the same way as those in other states—through the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. While this system is federal, it still requires close attention to legal procedure, medical documentation, and deadlines, which is why hiring a Connecticut-based vaccine injury attorney can make a significant difference.

Which Vaccines Are Covered Under the VICP?

Not every vaccine falls under the protection of the VICP. The program only applies to vaccines listed on the Vaccine Injury Table published by the Department of Health and Human Services. As of 2025, covered vaccines currently include:

• Influenza (flu) vaccine
  
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  
• Tdap and DTaP
  
• HPV (human papillomavirus)
  
• Hepatitis A and B
  
• Meningococcal
  
• Pneumococcal conjugate
  
• Polio
  
• Rotavirus
  
• Varicella (chickenpox)
  

To qualify for compensation, the injury must either match a condition and timeframe listed in the table—or be supported by expert medical evidence linking the vaccine to the injury.

COVID-19 Vaccine Injuries: Different Legal Process

At present, injuries from COVID-19 vaccines are not handled under the VICP. Instead, they fall under the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP). This program offers a more limited scope of compensation and does not allow for attorney representation or appeals in the same way as the VICP.

However, there are ongoing discussions at the federal level about transferring COVID-19 vaccine coverage to the VICP, especially as the pandemic phase has passed. If you believe you suffered an injury related to a COVID-19 vaccine, a vaccine injury lawyer can still guide you through the application process and help avoid common errors.

Compensation Available Through a Vaccine Injury Claim

If your claim is successful under the VICP, you may be eligible for compensation in several categories:

• Medical expenses not covered by insurance
  
• Lost wages due to time missed from work or long-term disability
  
• Pain and suffering, up to $250,000
  
• Funeral expenses, in the event of a vaccine-related death
  

Importantly, the VICP pays your attorney’s fees separately, so there are typically no out-of-pocket legal costs to file a claim. This makes it easier for injured individuals to seek justice without the financial burden of a traditional lawsuit.

How a Vaccine Injury Lawyer Helps Connecticut Residents

Although the vaccine compensation process is federal, Connecticut residents benefit from working with a local vaccine injury lawyer who understands both the medical and legal intricacies of these claims.

Here’s what a vaccine injury attorney does:

• Gathers medical records and builds the evidentiary foundation of your case
  
• Determines whether your injury qualifies under the Vaccine Injury Table
  
• Works with medical experts to establish causation
  
• Submits all necessary documents to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
  
• Negotiates settlements or presents your case in a hearing
  
• Recovers legal fees from the program—not from your compensation
  

These cases can take months or even years to resolve, especially if expert testimony is required. A qualified attorney helps ensure deadlines are met, records are complete, and your voice is heard in the process.

Deadlines for Filing a Vaccine Injury Claim

The statute of limitations under the VICP is three years from the onset of symptoms for injury claims, or two years from the date of death for fatal cases. Missing this window typically disqualifies you from receiving any compensation, regardless of the severity of your injury.

The timeline under the CICP is shorter—just one year from the date the vaccine was administered. These deadlines are firm, so it's best to consult a vaccine injury lawyer as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to file.

Connecticut-Specific Considerations for Vaccine Injury Cases

While the legal venue is federal, Connecticut’s healthcare landscape can affect how vaccine injuries are handled. For example:

• You may receive initial care through a Yale-affiliated hospital or UConn Health Center.
  
• Your health insurer may impose specific documentation or referral requirements.
  
• Access to medical specialists for evaluation or diagnosis may affect how quickly your claim can proceed.
  

A local vaccine injury attorney can coordinate with your treating providers, ensure compliance with insurance rules, and streamline your case preparation.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered a vaccine injury in Connecticut, you don’t have to navigate the legal system on your own. Vaccine claims are highly specialized and handled outside the traditional court system—making it even more important to work with a knowledgeable advocate.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we understand how a vaccine injury can upend your health, your finances, and your future. Our legal team has the experience to evaluate your eligibility, handle your claim from start to finish, and pursue the compensation you deserve—without adding financial stress.

Call us today for a free consultation. We're ready to stand by your side and help you move forward with confidence.