Florida Zostavax Attorney
Zostavax is a vaccine that has been used by health care providers for years to reduce the risk of contracting shingles, an infection that results when a virus linked to chicken pox reactivates years later. However, the main function of the drug also presents the biggest threat to patients, since around half will contract shingles and other serious bodily harm. For this reason, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that Zostavax will no longer be available in the US beyond the supply currently stocked in pharmacies and clinics.
For individuals who developed shingles and other conditions from taking Zostavax, it may come as a relief to know that you may have legal options for recovering compensation. Our lawyers at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. have extensive experience in these cases, so we are prepared to fight for your rights. Please contact our office to set up a free case assessment with a Florida Zostavax attorney, but some general information may also be useful.
Allegations Against Makers of Zostavax
This shingles vaccine works by introducing a weakened form of the virus into the body; it is intended to counteract the strain that was originally introduced into the body when the individual had chicken pox in the past. Taking Zostavax triggers the patient to fight off the weaker form, thereby increasing resistance of the immune system. Once the person’s immune system has successfully staved off the weaker virus, there is a reduced risk that the chicken pox version will have an effect when reactivated.
In other words, by taking Zostavax, you could contract shingles in varying levels of severity. Symptoms could include:
- An excruciatingly painful rash and blisters;
- Shooting pain down one side of the body;
- Vision disorders and blindness;
- Hearing loss and related problems;
- Paralysis;
- Liver failure;
- Brain damage; and,
- Many more.
Status of Zostavax Litigation
In short, plaintiffs have filed lawsuits regarding Zostavax because they suffered from shingles after receiving the vaccine. They allege that the manufacturer was aware at the outset that the drug could cause patients to contract shingles, because this implication is inherent in the design of the product. The failure to list shingles as a potential or likely side effect is the basis of many product liability actions.
There are numerous lawsuits that were originally filed in many US state courts, but most have been consolidated because of the similarities among the legal issues and facts. Our attorneys at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. are dedicated to fighting for the rights of clients who suffered harm after contracting shingles through the Zostavax vaccine. You may be eligible to recover damages for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and many other types of losses.
Trust Our Florida Zostavax Lawyers to Protect Your Interests
If you contracted shingles and want to know more about your rights in a Zostavax claim, please contact Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. to speak to a member of our team. You can schedule a complimentary consultation at our Coral Gables, FL office by calling 305-445-1111 or visiting us online.
