Paula Sims v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2015)

Paula Sims filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury caused by an influenza vaccination she received on October 17, 2011. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, conceded that Ms.

Sims was entitled to compensation for a left shoulder injury consistent with Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA). The respondent agreed that the injury was not due to factors unrelated to the vaccination and that all other statutory and jurisdictional requirements were met.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the Chief Special Master found Ms. Sims entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, the parties filed a stipulation for attorneys' fees and costs. The court awarded Ms.

Sims a total of $6,854.70, comprising $400.00 for costs incurred by petitioner and $6,454.70 for attorneys' fees and costs, payable jointly to Ms. Sims and her counsel.