Meningitis is a devastating illness that primarily affects infants, teens and young adults. Oftentimes, meningitis can lead to loss of limbs, brain damage, kidney damage, hearing loss, lung damage, or even death. Parents rely on their health care provider to recommend all pertinent vaccinations, including Menactra®, and to educate them about their options. However, this exchange of knowledge does not always occur.
Attorney Christian R. Patno, Esq. of McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., L.P.A. represents parents and their children who were not given the necessary information to make an informed decision regarding the meningitis vaccination, Menactra®. Mr. Patno has the knowledge and experience to help those who have needlessly suffered from a preventable disease. Contact him today at his Cleveland, Ohio, office for a free initial consultation.
About Meningitis
There are two types of meningitis, viral and bacterial. Meningococcal meningitis is an absolutely devastating and often incurable disease. It arises through contacting meningococcal bacterium. Fifteen to twenty percent of the population carry meningococcal bacterium without symptoms. However, bacterial meningitis arises when these people transmit the bacterium to individuals who are more susceptible. Those living in close quarters, who are run-down and who share items resulting in the transfer of saliva (most often high school and college students) are most susceptible.
Meningococcal meningitis affects 1400 to 2800 Americans per year. Ten percent of the victims often die within several hours of the first symptoms, similar to the flu, setting in. Fifteen percent of the victims are left with the severe consequences of brain damage, gangrene resulting in amputation of extremities and major organs due to disrupted blood flow. Thus, the need to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place has become a paramount concern for the medical community.
In 2005, Sanofi Pasteur obtained FDA approval of Menactra® which is over 92% effective at preventing four of the five known strains of meningococcal meningitis in the United States. Menactra® is currently recommended for individuals over 11 years of age. It is administered intramuscularly in one shot and costs usually between $80 and $100. It has minimal side effects. And, the cost is usually covered by medical insurance. Impoverished children may receive the vaccine for free through State operated Vaccine for Children's programs.
In summary, viral meningitis affects the brain, and bacterial meningitis is a systemic infection that can cause loss of limbs, organ failure and death. Since 2005, the U.S. Government has recommended the meningitis vaccination, Menactra®, and the American Academy of Pediatrics and Center for Disease Control have created National Standards to be followed.
Meningitis Vaccination
Despite the recommendations and standards, people are still unaware of the Menactra® vaccine and instead rely on health care professionals to educate them and recommend vaccination. It may be surprising to some to discover that although the meningitis vaccine is over 92% effective, there are still health care professionals who do not educate their patients about the availability and effectiveness of the vaccine.
Meningitis takes its toll on families, emotionally and physically. Taking into account pain and suffering, medical costs and loss of future earnings, damages often exceed $20 million dollars. Lawyer Patno understands that not all families can afford the lengthy and costly litigation that accompanies these types of claims. He believes, very strongly, that all families need and deserve the kind of representation he and his nationally-recognized law firm can fund and offer. McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., L.P.A. will often fund the litigation that may stop victims from pursuing a claim.
Education and Information
More information about the meningitis vaccine, Menactra®, and the National Standards for vaccination is available at these sites:
Menactra®.com
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
American Academy of Pediatrics
Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics
To read further about meningitis and the vaccine Menactra®, visit our Resources page.
Contact Attorney Patno for a free initial consultation. His office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., M-F, other hours by appointment.
