Vaccine Injury of Brad Malagarie

Before his stroke, Brad worked as a Trial Technician for DANCEL MULTIMEDIA, supporting local and nationwide law firms in high‑stakes litigation. He was highly skilled and frequently requested by top attorneys. His work included operating AV systems, managing courtroom technology, displaying exhibits, editing video depositions, and troubleshooting technical issues in real time during trials, depositions, and hearings. He also handled exhibit preparation, pre‑trial support, and overall courtroom tech management. He took pride in the precision and calm his job required.

Outside of work, we were a beautiful blended family raising seven children together, whose ages at the time were 22, 22, 18, 17, 13, 10, and 4. Brad was a baseball, softball, and dance dad — always present, always involved, always cheering someone on. He was fully independent, active, and shared the responsibilities of our busy home. Our life functioned as a team, and he carried a significant part of that load.

On April 6, 2021, at 12:00 p.m., Brad received the Johnson & Johnson COVID‑19 vaccine at a small local pharmacy. Around 4:30 p.m. that same afternoon, while at work, he began showing sudden neurological symptoms. Coworkers found him slumped over at his desk and unable to speak. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, they immediately called 911.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., while I was finishing my workday, I received a call informing me that Brad was experiencing a possible stroke and that emergency services were en route to his office. I rushed to his workplace and arrived as he was being wheeled out on a gurney. He was conscious and aware but unable to speak.

Brad was transported to a nearby hospital, where imaging and evaluation confirmed he had suffered a significant ischemic stroke caused by a severe blood clot in his brain. After the initial emergency room evaluation, Brad was transferred to another local hospital that was better equipped to handle traumatic brain injuries. Due to pandemic restrictions, visitors were not allowed, and I spent about five days in the ICU waiting room with very limited communication from the medical team. Despite repeated requests, I never met the neurologist, and we received very few updates or answers.

Because of the lack of communication and the need for more specialized care, we requested a transfer to a hospital in New Orleans. Within a few weeks, Brad thankfully began showing signs of improvement. He was then transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Atlanta, where we lived for three months while our children stayed with family in Mississippi.

• Staying consistent with therapies (speech, occupational, and physical therapy as recommended)
• Maintaining a strong support system through family and close friends
• Keeping regular follow‑up appointments and monitoring changes in his abilities
• Creating routines that help him stay organized and reduce stress
• Encouraging physical activity within his limits
• Helping him stay mentally engaged with tasks he enjoys and can manage
• Communicating openly with healthcare providers and advocating for his needs
• Adjusting household responsibilities to match his current abilities
• Providing emotional support and patience as he navigates ongoing challenges

Dismissive responses from medical providers who would not acknowledge the timing or possible causes
• Being asked by a physician to publicly state the vaccine was not related to his stroke
• Being told conflicting information without documentation
• Lack of acknowledgment of the emotional and logistical strain on our family

I want others to know that life can change in a single moment, even when everything seems normal and stable. Brad was healthy, active, and working full‑time when this happened. I want people to understand the importance of being heard, taken seriously, and supported when something goes wrong. Families like ours need acknowledgment, not dismissal, and we need better systems in place for long‑term care and guidance.