What is the Zostavax Vaccine?

Shingles—also known as herpes zoster—is a viral infection that affects nerve fibers and skin, causing a painful, itchy, and blistering rash. Specifically, it is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox in children and young adults. Shingles occur mostly in people over the age of 50 when the dormant chickenpox virus reactivates in the body.

In order to prevent shingles, the pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. developed the Zostavax vaccine for patients 50 years and older. The vaccine—which was the only FDA-approved shingles vaccine in the U.S. until 2017—is a live form of the virus, meaning it contains a weakened shingles virus that helps boost the body’s immune system and increases the recipient’s ability to fight off the real shingles virus.

Unfortunately, the vaccine may, in fact, be to blame for patients getting shingles. This can lead to serious complications, especially since patients receiving the immunization are older and more susceptible to other injuries like infections, pneumonia, and vision loss.

Zostavax Dangerous Side Effects and Potential Damages

Not only can Zostavax actually cause shingles, which brings with it pain, discomfort, and expensive medical bills, but the vaccine may also cause a wide range of other unwelcome side effects and even serious complications, such as:

  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Blindness and eye disorders
  • Liver failure
  • Brain damage
  • Facial paralysis
  • Hearing loss
  • Lymph node disease
  • Death

Zostavax lawyers have already filed lawsuits against Merck & Co. claiming that the company may have known about the risks involved with the vaccination and intentionally promoted the vaccine based on false and misleading information about its benefits while downplaying its risks. Since Zostavax does not prevent herpes zoster as Merck claims and actually may cause the very condition it is meant to treat, patients filing a lawsuit may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and more. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Eligibility for Filing a Zostavax Lawsuit

To qualify for filing a claim against the makers of Zostavax, patients must have received the vaccine after 2006 and been diagnosed with shingles at least three weeks later. It is also possible for patients to file a lawsuit if they have experienced any of the following injuries up to two years of the date of vaccination:

  • Brain inflammation like encephalitis and meningitis that causes severe headaches, flu-like symptoms, and confusion
  • Nerve disorders such as Herpetic Neuralgia and Guillain-Barre Syndrome
  • Postherpetic neuralgia or burning pain that continues even after shingles blisters have healed
  • Pneumonia
  • Facial paralysis through Bell’s Palsy and/or Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
  • Eye damage, including blindness and cornea inflammation
  • Congestive heart failure

Consider enlisting the assistance of a Zostavax attorney to find out more about eligibility requirements and get started with the legal process.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of people who call in are stressed and to have someone who is calm and kind taking the call is a great representation of the company.

D
Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her attention to detail is unmatched.
She catches things most people would overlook, and she always makes sure every document is perfect before it leaves her hands.
Beyond her incredible skill set, Bridgette is also kind, reliable, and a true team player. She communicates clearly, stays organized under pressure, and goes above and beyond to make sure clients and attorneys alike feel supported.
You can tell she genuinely cares about her work and the people she helps.
If you're lucky enough to have Bridgette as your paralegal, you're in the best possible hands. Five stars isn't enough for someone this exceptional!

B
Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

T
Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. He...

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. Her communication is clear, and she truly cares about delivering results. I couldn’t recommend her more highly!

M
Mimi

Lake Charles

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

M
Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

T
Tracie M.

Eryn Laughlin is a good employee, we love her!

a
anonymous

Car Accident

Courtney Marsh has a positive attitude and great attention to detail in her work!

R
Rhonda C.

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - profession...

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - professional and always on top of everything. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made sure I understood every step along the way. My case was resolved better than expected. I can’t thank them enough.

M
Melody Johnson

New Orleans

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Get Legal Assistance from a Zostavax Attorney

A knowledgeable Zostavax lawyer should know how to navigate complicated mass tort matters and stand up to large pharmaceutical companies to help you get the compensation they deserve. If you received the Zostavax injection and ended up getting shingles or suffering a serious injury like blindness or liver failure, give an attorney a call today to find out how they could help you.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article
big rig car accident

Blog $1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

When it comes to being injured in a car accident, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between getting $1,400,000 in 9 months i...

Read Full Article
mardi gras beads

Blog Safety Tips to Help Stay Safe During Your Mardi Gras Celebration

Mardi Gras is a grand and celebratory holiday filled with parades, live music, picnics, and much more. From the crazy costumes to the colorf...

Read Full Article
two workers in orange suits

Blog $42,000,000 Settlement for Burn Victim in Plant Explosion

What our client thought would be a normal workday at the plant left him questioning whether or not he could fulfill his role as a father and...

Read Full Article
cars driving in the fog

Blog Were You Injured in a Super Fog Vehicle Accident in Louisiana?

Early Monday morning, October 23rd, a dense “super fog,” a rare weather condition created by the mix of smoke and fog, resulted in a tragic ...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(337) 777-7777
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 777-7777.