How to Prove a SIRVA Injury (and Get Compensation in the VICP)

You did what you were supposed to do: You got a vaccine, and now your shoulder won’t stop hurting. It keeps you up at night, tossing and turning. Your shoulder pain has only gotten worse in the past few weeks and months. Simple tasks like picking up your child or getting dressed are now very painful. It’s hard to even carry a gallon of milk into the house. 

You start researching your symptoms online, and you learn about a condition called SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration). 

But how do you prove you have a SIRVA injury? Where do you go from here?  

If this sounds like something you or a loved one is currently going through, we’ve got all of the answers for you in this blog. We’ll go over what SIRVA is, what compensation is available, and how you may be eligible for such compensation. 

If you’re ready to speak to an attorney regarding your SIRVA case, we’re here to help. Give our office a call now, and someone will be available to speak with you: (312) 578-9501. You can also fill out the contact form on this page, and we will respond to you within 1 business day. 

Or if you’re not ready just yet, keep reading to learn more. 

What Even Is SIRVA? And What Symptoms Are Linked to It?

SIRVA stands for shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Symptoms of SIRVA include shoulder pain within 48 hours after vaccination, limited range of motion, and arm weakness. It’s an umbrella term to help explain how your shoulder ended up getting hurt, but it’s not an official diagnosis. If you do end up having SIRVA, you may be diagnosed with shoulder injury conditions, such as a rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), bursitis, or tendonitis.  

Although there are several injuries linked to SIRVA, they all happen the same way: improper administration of a vaccine. 

When a medical provider injects a vaccine either too deep or too high up on the shoulder, it can damage the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the shoulder capsule.  

While SIRVA is a scary situation for many, it is a rare condition that many folks will never experience in their lifetime.

Is SIRVA permanent? 

Most of the time, no. 

SIRVA usually is not permanent. Most people make a full recovery on their own or recover after the right treatment plan. 

So, what is the course of treatment for SIRVA? Treatment plans vary based on the severity of your shoulder injury.

It’s important to talk with your doctor if you suspect you have SIRVA. You both can work together on the best course of treatment to get you back to normal.

Here are some standard treatment options for those who have experienced SIRVA:

• Physical therapy
• Prescription pain medication
• Steroid injections
• Surgery 

Physical therapy is almost always the first course of action for those who have suffered a possible shoulder injury from vaccination. Steroid injections are often used to help reduce inflammation in your shoulder joint. Prescription pain medication can also be used to manage intense shoulder pain. 

In very rare cases, doctors recommend surgery to treat SIRVA injuries to remove scar tissue.

How Do I Get Compensation for My SIRVA Injury? 

For those that have experienced a shoulder injury from a vaccine, you may be eligible for compensation from a federal program called the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This program is national, spanning all 50 states, and it helps those who have been injured by certain vaccines get the compensation that they deserve. 

So, what can you expect from this program?

First, it’s important to go over the requirements for filing a petition in the VICP. There’s a specific set of criteria that needs to be met in order to be awarded compensation in the program. These criteria include:

• You received a vaccine covered by the VICP. All covered vaccines are listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. 
• Your shoulder injury symptoms have lasted for at least 6 months.
• You file your petition within 3 years of your date of vaccination.

If you’re able to meet this set of requirements, you are eligible for this program.

There are four types of compensation available in the VICP: 

1. Pain and suffering (up to $250,000)
2. Lost wages (including future wages)
3. Past out-of-pocket medical expenses
4. Future medical needs

Now that you understand the background of the program, how do you get started?

We highly recommend hiring an attorney. While you don’t need an attorney to file your petition in the program, it will make resolving your SIRVA claim easier. 

Hiring a lawyer is at no cost to you. Attorney’s bills are paid separately by the program after you get paid.

Not only that, but your attorney takes care of obtaining all necessary documents needed for a successful case, and ensuring that all of the documentation is filed in a proper and timely manner. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is getting better. 

How Long Do SIRVA Cases Take to Settle? 

It depends. If your claim is assigned to the SPU (Special Processing Unit), then your case will typically resolve faster. If not, it may take a few years. On average, a SIRVA case can take anywhere between one and three years to resolve. 

What Is the Average Settlement for SIRVA? 

The average settlement for a SIRVA case is currently $80,000. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each SIRVA case is unique, and the amount of the settlement depends on each person’s own personal circumstances. 

Find Out If You Have a SIRVA Claim Today

Our experienced vaccine injury attorneys at Shannon Law Group, P.C., can help you and your family recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life after a SIRVA injury. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re available to speak with you 24/7 at (312) 578-9501. You can also fill out a contact form, and one of our team members will get back to you within one business day.