MOGAD Injury Lawyer
Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease
The Mayo Clinic suggests that children and young adults are slightly more likely to develop MOGAD.
What is Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD)?
Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the central nervous system. In MOGAD, the immune system mistakenly targets the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, a protein located on the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers. This attack leads to inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath, causing a variety of neurological symptoms.
Hear Cheryl's Vaccine Injury Story
Cheryl suffered SIRVA (shoulder injury related to vaccine administration) following a flu shot. Her vaccine injury claim was filed in the VICP by vaccine lawyer Max Muller where she obtained a large cash settlement for her pain and suffering, lost wages and out of pocket medical expenses.
Symptoms of MOGAD and Their Impact on Daily Life
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Visual Disturbances
People with MOGAD often experience severe vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, or complete vision loss. These visual disturbances can make it extremely difficult to perform everyday activities such as reading, driving, using a computer, and even recognizing faces. This can lead to a loss of independence and a need for assistance with daily tasks.
Victims may seek compensation for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the costs of assistive devices (e.g., glasses, magnifiers) and services (e.g., vision therapy, mobility training). Legal claims could also cover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering due to the emotional impact of vision loss.
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Weakness
Weakness in the limbs can severely limit mobility. Simple actions like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing up from a seated position can become challenging. This can affect one's ability to work, exercise, and carry out household chores, leading to a reliance on mobility aids or caregivers.
Compensation can include costs for mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers), home modifications (e.g., ramps, grab bars), physical therapy, and personal care services. Claims may also address loss of income if the victim is unable to work.
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Sensory Changes
MOGAD can cause abnormal sensations such as numbness, tingling, or pain. These sensory changes can interfere with the ability to feel temperature, handle objects safely, and maintain balance. Everyday tasks like cooking, bathing, and dressing can become hazardous and require modifications or assistance.
Victims may be entitled to compensation for adaptive equipment (e.g., special utensils, adaptive keyboards), home safety modifications, occupational therapy, and any necessary medical treatments to manage pain and discomfort.
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Severe Headaches
Chronic, severe headaches are common in MOGAD and can be debilitating. They can interfere with concentration, productivity, and sleep, leading to missed work or school days and an overall reduction in quality of life.
Compensation claims might include medical expenses for ongoing treatment (e.g., medications, neurologist visits), lost wages, and non-economic damages for chronic pain and reduced quality of life.
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Coordination Problems
Issues with coordination can affect fine motor skills, making it difficult to write, button clothes, or use utensils. Gross motor skills are also impacted, complicating activities like walking or participating in sports. This can result in frustration and a decline in physical fitness.
Victims can seek compensation for physical therapy, adaptive devices (e.g., tools for dressing, cooking aids), and modifications to the home environment. Loss of earning capacity due to inability to perform previous job duties may also be compensable
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Paralysis and Vision Loss
In the most severe cases, MOGAD can lead to paralysis, affecting mobility and requiring the use of wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Vision loss can be permanent and profoundly impact a person's ability to live independently, necessitating adaptations to the home environment and support from others.
Compensation claims can cover extensive medical care, rehabilitation, home modifications, personal care attendants, assistive technology, and loss of income. Non-economic damages for the profound impact on quality of life are also significant in these cases.
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Bladder Dysfunction
Bladder dysfunction can cause frequent and urgent needs to urinate, incontinence, or difficulty emptying the bladder completely. This can lead to social embarrassment, disrupt sleep, and necessitate frequent bathroom breaks, impacting daily routines and activities.
Victims may claim compensation for medical treatments, incontinence products, and any necessary modifications to home or workplace environments to accommodate frequent bathroom needs. Emotional distress damages may also be relevant.
A Breakthrough Case with My Vaccine Lawyer
A petitioner successfully demonstrated that the Flu vaccine caused his MOG-positive Optic Neuritis. The case was strongly defended by the government. The case required the retention of an expert neurologist and immunologist and went to trial in December of 2023. The case was supported by medical theories, a logical sequence of cause and effect, and the timing of the symptoms after vaccination, all medically acceptable for establishing causation. This case sets an important precedent for recognizing MOGAD as a vaccine injury, potentially influencing future compensation claims.
My Vaccine Lawyer has helped our client take a step closer to the compensation he deserves and paved the way for others to find the courage to step out of the darkness and begin to tread once again in the light.
Importance for Establishing Precedence
This case is significant because it provides a legal and medical framework for linking MOGAD to vaccinations. It supports the use of molecular mimicry as a valid medical theory for vaccine-related autoimmune responses, and highlights the role of diagnostic criteria and expert testimony in establishing vaccine injury claims. This could pave the way for similar future cases to be recognized and compensated under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
Diagnosing and Treating MOGAD
Diagnosing MOGAD involves a combination of clinical assessment, MRI scans, and testing for MOG antibodies in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment often includes high-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and plasmapheresis. Long-term management may involve immunosuppressive therapy to prevent relapses.
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with MOGAD. Rehabilitation may also be necessary to help patients recover from severe symptoms such as paralysis.
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MOGAD: Why Seek Compensation?
Diagnosis Costs: Diagnosing MOGAD involves several expensive medical tests and evaluations, including:
- Clinical Assessment: Initial consultations with neurologists or other specialists can cost between $200 and $600 per visit.
- MRI Scans: MRI scans, necessary for identifying inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per scan without insurance coverage .
- MOG Antibody Testing: Testing for MOG antibodies in blood or cerebrospinal fluid can cost around $500 to $1,500.
Treatment Costs: Treating MOGAD typically involves both acute and long-term therapies, which are often costly:
- High-Dose Corticosteroids: Initial treatment with corticosteroids can cost between $100 and $200 per dose, with multiple doses required.
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): IVIG treatments can be extremely expensive, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per session, with several sessions often necessary .
- Plasmapheresis: This treatment, used to remove harmful antibodies, can cost between $2,000 and $4,000 per session, with multiple sessions required.
Long-Term Management: Long-term care for MOGAD may include ongoing treatments to prevent relapses and manage symptoms, which can lead to substantial cumulative costs:
- Immunosuppressive Therapy: Medications like rituximab, mycophenolate mofetil, or azathioprine can cost between $1,000 and $5,000 per month .
- Rehabilitation: Physical and occupational therapy to recover from severe symptoms such as paralysis can cost $100 to $300 per session, with multiple sessions required weekly.
Additional Costs and Compensation
Indirect Costs:
- Lost Income: Individuals with MOGAD may be unable to work during periods of severe illness or treatment, leading to significant lost wages. For example, if a person earns $50,000 annually and misses six months of work, they could lose $25,000 in income.
- Home Modifications: Modifications to the home, such as installing ramps, handrails, or accessible bathroom fixtures, can cost several thousand dollars.
Why Seek Compensation?
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover the extensive medical bills associated with diagnosing and treating MOGAD.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Compensation can help pay for ongoing physical and occupational therapy to improve quality of life.
- Lost Wages: Individuals can receive compensation for lost income due to their inability to work during illness and recovery periods.
- Home Modifications and Assistive Devices: Financial compensation can help cover the costs of necessary modifications and equipment to improve mobility and independence.
Given these substantial costs, seeking compensation is crucial to alleviate the financial burden and ensure that individuals with MOGAD receive the necessary medical care and support.
By pursuing compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), individuals can potentially recover these costs and secure financial support to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
Get Help Today
Do Vaccines Cause MOGAD?
There is limited evidence suggesting a potential link between vaccines and the development of MOGAD. However, the risk is extremely low. If you or a loved one develops MOGAD following vaccination, consult with a healthcare provider and consider seeking legal advice to explore your options for compensation.
How We Can Help with Your MOGAD
If you have been diagnosed with MOGAD, you may be eligible for financial compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Our team at My Vaccine Lawyer can help you navigate this process and secure the compensation you deserve.
This is what we need to do:
- Establish diagnosis
- Seek proper medical care
- Put forth a reliable causation theory
- Provide a logical sequence of cause and effect
- Provide a medically appropriate temporal relationship between onset and vaccination to infer a causal relationship
What You Can Expect from Our Team of MOGAD Attorneys
Our experienced attorneys will provide you with the respect and support you need. We understand the challenges of living with MOGAD and will work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve. Our services include:
- Free Case Evaluation: We will assess your case to determine your eligibility for compensation.
- No Costs: You pay no attorney fees or costs to file a claim in the vaccine program.
- Experienced Representation: Our team has extensive experience in handling vaccine injury cases.
My Vaccine Lawyer has recently proven its ability to get the job done. We are here to fight for you, read more about the way we approach your case.