The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on our society. Amidst all the death and fear inflicted by the virus, most Canadians followed the recommendations of the Canadian and provincial governments and took the COVID-19 vaccine.
Despite the hopes that many people had about the protection the vaccine would offer them, many people have ended up with negative side-effects and complications from the vaccine, including blood clots, myocarditis, and fertility issues, amongst others.
These complications cannot only be life-threatening but can also impair a person’s ability to function in their daily life. Many people have, as a result of these complications, been unable to work, have suffered a loss of income, have had to incur out-of-pocket expenses, and have had to alter their lives to adapt to their newfound complications.
Luckily, the Government of Canada has also established the “Vaccine Injury Support Program” meant to provide compensation to people who:
…have experienced a serious and permanent injury as a result of receiving a Health Canada authorized vaccine, administered in Canada on or after December 8, 2020...
The program has fairly strict criteria about who is eligible, specifically:
• the vaccine taken must have been authorized by Health Canada;
• the vaccine was administered in Canada;
• the vaccine was administered on or after December 8, 2020;
• the individual must have suffered a “serious and permanent injury”; and
• the individual can establish a “probable link” between administration of the vaccine and the complications and injuries suffered.
Individuals have three years from the date of their vaccination to submit a claim. Once a claim is submitted, it can take anywhere between twelve and eighteen months for it to be processed until a determination is made.
Exactly how much money can be retrieved from the program remains unclear. The Government statement is that the amount of financial support is determined on a “case-by-case” basis.
Eligible individuals may receive income replacement indemnities; injury indemnities; death benefits; coverage for funeral expenses; and reimbursement of eligible costs such as otherwise uncovered medical expenses.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there is no set maximum for the ongoing compensation that can be given as there can be lifetime stewardship with recurring benefits. However, there is a maximum lumpsum for injury indemnity which can be awarded in the amount of $275,000.00 indexed for inflation year to year. The Medical Review Board will determine a percentage of injury which will go against that maximum.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, you may be able entitled to financial compensation. Please contact our team at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP. for a free initial consultation.