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How to File a Petition

To be compensated by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), you must file a petition with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and a copy of the petition must sent to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The petition is a legal document that you can prepare yourself, or hire a lawyer to prepare and file on your behalf. Because this is a legal process, most people hire a lawyer.

The Court generally will award reasonable attorneys' fees and other legal costs as long as your petition is deemed reasonable and filed in good faith.

Visit the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Office of Special Masters for detailed information about how to submit a petition, including guidelines, sample filings and a list of attorneys who have agreed, upon request, to accept referrals in certain vaccine injury cases.

Where do I file my petition?

Submit your petition, one original and two copies, including cover sheet, medical records, and other documentation plus the appropriate filing fee to:

Clerk
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
717 Madison Place NW
Washington, DC 20439

If you are unable to pay the filing fee, call 202-357-6400.

Where must I send a copy of the petition?

After you submit your petition to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, you must either submit an electronic copy on the HRSA Injury Compensation Programs website or mail in a copy of the petition.

How do I submit a copy of the petition electronically?

On the HRSA Injury Compensation Programs website, follow the step-by-step instructions on the How to Create an Account page, and then log in with your username and password. After login, select the Submit button under Submit a Petition to VICP on the home page. Fill out the required fields to submit a copy of the petition.

For more information about VICP, contact 1-800-338-2382 or vaccinecompensation@hrsa.gov.

Or…

How do I submit a copy of the petition by mail?

After you submit your petition to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, submit a copy of the petition by mail to the following address:

Secretary, Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
Director, Division of Injury Compensation Programs
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 8W-25A
Rockville, MD 20857

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