Eckington House Mental Health Services, LLC v. Office of Wage Hour

**Worker Wins Compensation for Vaccine Injury** This case involved Kevin Heckathorn, who suffered a shoulder injury (called SIRVA - Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration) after receiving a vaccination. Heckathorn filed a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, a federal program that provides compensation to people who are injured by certain vaccines. The court ruled in Heckathorn's favor, awarding him compensation for his vaccine-related injury. Additionally, the court granted him $16,062.59 to cover his attorney's fees and legal costs associated with pursuing the claim. **What This Means for Workers:** This case highlights an important protection for employees who may be required or encouraged to get vaccinations for work. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program exists to help people who experience rare but serious side effects from vaccines. Workers should know that if they suffer a vaccine injury, there may be compensation available through this federal program. The fact that attorney's fees can also be covered makes it more accessible for injured workers to pursue valid claims without worrying about the cost of legal representation.