In 2011 the SCOTUS exempted drug companies from product liability when damage is caused by federally licensed and approved vaccines. Damage lawsuits are filed against the federal government who has the powerful HHS (Health and Human Services) lawyers representing the interests of the drug companies, not the consumer. Plaintiffs must prove in court that the particular vaccine caused harm. While over $4 billion has been paid to plaintiffs since the inception of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in 1986, over 90% of the vaccine injury cases are never reported or submitted for trial. Moreover, the funds used to compensate plaintiffs are paid from the 75 cents per vaccine excise tax that the consumer pays - it doesn't come from the vaccine makers.