Swine flu vaccine compensation cases blocked
Posted: September 25, 2015
Posted in: Medical Negligence NHS Claims
When doctors realised that the sharp rise in narcolepsy cases was related to the swine flu vaccine Pandemrix, they immediately withdrew it. Now, however, the government is being bombarded by several medical negligence compensation claims, which government lawyers are attempting to block. The Pandemrix vaccine was produced by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and was administered to over 6 million people in Britain and millions across Europe during 2009-10’s swine flu pandemic.
A 12-year-old boy, who remains anonymous, received a compensation payout of £120,000 in June after he was left severely disabled by the vaccine. The payout concluded a three-year legal battle whereby the government argued that his illness was not severe enough to justify compensation. Where the boy was awarded compensation, the government requested an appeal for permission to challenge the decision. If the appeal is successful, it will prevent over 100 families from winning damages through the Pandemrix case.
“innocent and blameless people”
Narcolepsy is a condition that forces the sufferer into episodes of sleep multiple times a day, even in the midst of engaging activities such as driving and conversing. Some sufferers even collapse on the spot, a muscular control problem called cataplexy.
A solicitor described those affected as “innocent and blameless people”, he added: “They were responsible enough to get vaccinated and unfortunately have suffered a severe brain injury due to a defect with the vaccine, which was not detected as it was not tested at all on children before it was given out.”
The case continues.
If you have been affected by medical negligence, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.
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