Linda Cothern v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (2014)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Linda Cothern filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on July 7, 2014, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by the influenza vaccine she received on September 26, 2013. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, conceded that Ms.
Cothern's injury was consistent with SIRVA and was caused in fact by the flu vaccine. The respondent also agreed that the injury lasted for more than six months and that no other causes could be identified.
Based on this concession, the Chief Special Master issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Ms. Cothern entitled to compensation.
Subsequently, on November 19, 2014, the parties filed a stipulation of fact concerning attorneys' fees and costs. They agreed upon a total award of $15,000.00 for attorneys' fees and costs.
The Chief Special Master found this amount to be reasonable and awarded it as a lump sum, jointly payable to Ms. Cothern and her counsel.
Judgment was entered accordingly.