Barbados Government sued over alleged COVID-19 vaccine injury
Key Points(5)
- A woman has filed a lawsuit against the Government of Barbados alleging that she suffered serious medical complications following two doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine administered in 2021.
- The claim, filed in 2024 and naming the Office of the Attorney General as defendant, argues that the Ministry of Health and Wellness is liable for injuries allegedly caused by the vaccine, which she contends was “defective” under the Consumer Protection Act.
- The woman, represented by constitutional attorney and King’s Counsel Larry Smith, says she received her first dose on or around April 23, 2021, and a second dose in June 2021.
- According to court documents reported by local media, she developed a swollen bruise below her right knee roughly two months later, followed by severe pain, chest discomfort and shortness of breath.
- She later reported worsening symptoms, including widespread bruising and fatigue, which led to medical referrals for specialist and haematology assessments.
A woman has filed a lawsuit against the Government of Barbados alleging that she suffered serious medical complications following two doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine administered in 2021.
The claim, filed in 2024 and naming the Office of the Attorney General as defendant, argues that the Ministry of Health and Wellness is liable for injuries allegedly caused by the vaccine, which she contends was “defective” under the Consumer Protection Act.
The woman, represented by constitutional attorney and King’s Counsel Larry Smith, says she received her first dose on or around April 23, 2021, and a second dose in June 2021.
According to court documents reported by local media, she developed a swollen bruise below her right knee roughly two months later, followed by severe pain, chest discomfort and shortness of breath. She later reported worsening symptoms, including widespread bruising and fatigue, which led to medical referrals for specialist and haematology assessments.
The filings allege that a pharmacovigilance review by the Barbados Drug Service examined a “suspected drug-induced reaction” linked to the vaccine batch used for her second dose. Samples were reportedly analyzed by the Barbados Reference Laboratory.
The claim further states that medical assessments indicated symptoms consistent with vaccine-related blood clotting side effects and a later diagnosis described as a “suspected case of vasculitis” following vaccination.
Between January 2022 and July 2023, the woman reportedly sent five letters to government authorities raising concerns about her condition and seeking redress. The claim says she received no substantive response, though she did receive an acknowledgment from the Prime Minister’s Office confirming that her correspondence had been forwarded to the Chief Medical Officer.
The lawsuit also alleges negligence on the part of the government, including a failure to provide adequate mechanisms for individuals experiencing severe adverse reactions under the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.
She is seeking general damages for pain and suffering, special damages including loss of earnings, legal costs with interest, and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
The case adds to ongoing international legal and public debate surrounding vaccine safety monitoring systems, government liability, and compensation frameworks related to COVID-19 vaccination programmes.
