Supreme Court Considers Whether Victims Can File Suits Against Vaccine Makers

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 was enacted to balance the rights of patients injured by vaccines with the needs of vaccine manufacturers. However, in attempting to reconcile these dual aims, the lawmakers who created the legislation loaded the bill with confusing and seemingly contradictory language. A case that is currently under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court is forcing the justices to parse the legislation in order to determine whether children harmed by vaccines should have the right to sue for damages. If the Supreme Court votes to amend or reverse the law, thousands of lawsuits could be brought against vaccine manufacturers, including some by families who believe that vaccines caused their children to develop autism spectrum disorders.

Have you or a loved one been injured by a faulty medical treatment? If so, we can help. Contact the los angeles medical malpractice attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Injury Lawsuit Stemming from Vaccine Controversy to Reach Supreme Court

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 was instituted to protect vaccine manufacturers from the threat of lawsuits that could make it financially unfeasible for the companies to continue manufacturing the treatments. However, critics of the law argue that it goes too far in shielding the manufacturers and offers little in the way of protections to children who have been adversely impacted by vaccines.

A case debating the merits of the law is currently on its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. It is based on a challenge brought by the parents of a young girl who developed a rare seizure disorder after receiving a standard diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine at six months of age. The girl, who is now an adolescent, requires round-the-clock care and has been rendered unable to care for herself due to profound developmental delays.


The case, which will likely be heard by the Supreme Court later this year, could have significant implications for the ongoing debate over the safety of childhood vaccines.


Have you or a loved one developed problems after receiving medical treatment? If so, we can help you understand your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.