The Nashville product liability attorneys at David Randolph Smith & Associates understand the unique complications and difficulties that arise from a defective medical device lawsuit, and we are ready to help you navigate your claim.
What is Zostavax and why are there lawsuits?
Zostavax is the brand name of a recently-developed anti-shingles vaccination. It works by injecting patients with a dose of the chicken pox virus (the cause of shingles) that will remain dormant in the patient’s system in order to boost the patient’s immunity to the virus, and hopefully heighten the body’s resistance against future shingles episodes.
If no complications arise, Zostavax promises relief from the inconvenient, painful experience of shingles, particularly in elderly, vulnerable adults. Unfortunately, patients who received the Zostavax vaccination are now coming forward with reports of severe medical reactions allegedly caused by the vaccine.
What are the dangers of Zostavax?
While some Zostavax patients experienced relief from their shingles symptoms, many others have experienced prolonged shingles outbreaks that are significantly more severe. Some medical professionals speculate that the virus dose contained in the drug is too strong for some patients’ immune systems. Although the cause of Zostavax reactions is not yet known, several dozen lawsuits alleging Zostavax-related injuries are already pending.
As of 2018, over 46,000 injuries had been reported in relation to the Zostavax vaccination, with 142 cases of death attributed to the vaccine. Some of the serious medical conditions that have been attributed to Zostavax include:
- Intense, recurring shingles
- Debilitating nerve pain
- Severe rashes and hives
- Joint and muscle stiffness
- Paralysis
- Eye infections leading to blindness
- Brain damage
- Organ failure
I or a loved one have suffered injury as a result of a Zostavax reaction. What should I do next?
If you or a loved one have suffered injury as a result of the Zostavax shingles vaccination, call the Tennessee Zostavax lawyers at David Randolph Smith & Associates immediately. Our experienced Nashville drug recall attorneys stand ready to evaluate your case and offer the best advice for the next step in your Tennessee Zostavax lawsuit.