Prospects for Justice for Children Injured by Vaccines: The Experience of the Omnibus Autism Proceeding
AO/GR 2012 Conference: Robert J. Krakow, Esq. and John McHugh, Esq.
Vaccine-injured individuals may obtain compensation for their injuries only (with narrow exceptions) through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Over the last decade thousands of claims have been brought before the VICP by families of young children claiming vaccines have caused their children’s neurodevelopmental disorders, often diagnosed as autism. In the overwhelming majority of cases, these claims have been rejected, ending any chance for justice and compensation for these victims. Mr. Krakow and Mr. McHugh will explore the reasons underlying the denial of most claims for autism in the VICP and the possibilities for obtaining justice in the future.