MMR – Medical Negligence? MMR blamed for partially deaf girls disablement*

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Interesting case law has been established in the UK with the Daily Mail recently reporting that a 21-year-old Scottish woman, Katie Stephen, won a ruling that her deafness in one ear was due to an adverse reaction* to the triple MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine, which she was given at the age of 15 months.

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She had alleged the adverse reaction was similar to the brain disease encephalitis. The decision was made by the Vaccine Damage Payment Unit, which is administered by the Department of Work and Pensions in the UK.

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In the UK though officials can only award compensation within their ambit if severe disablement is caused which is viewed as 60% and over. In this case, she was only 20% disabled.

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It is reported that she is only the second person to receive a ruling that the MMR Vaccine caused health problems, the other being a severely disabled boy who in 2010 was awarded a lump sum by way of compensation after it was proved his epileptic condition was due to the vaccine he received when one year old.

*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. This statement is made in compliance with Reg.8 of SI 518 of 2002.