Cheryl Simmons v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury (2015)

On August 29, 2014, Cheryl Simmons filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 22, 2011, caused her to suffer a shoulder injury. She further alleged that she experienced residual effects of the injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused petitioner's shoulder injury or any other injury or current condition. Despite the denial, the parties reached a stipulation to settle the case.

The settlement terms included a lump sum of $50,000.00 payable to petitioner for all damages, and a lump sum of $14,750.00 payable to petitioner and her attorney, Paul R. Brazil, for all legal expenses and costs.

The total award amounted to $64,750.00. Chief Special Master Denise Kathryn Vowell adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded the compensation.

The decision was issued on April 24, 2015. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical examinations, diagnostic tests, or treatments.

The specific mechanism of injury or expert testimony regarding causation was not detailed in the public decision, as the case was resolved by stipulation.