Vincent J. Christiancy v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2016)

Vincent J. Christiancy filed a petition on December 24, 2014, alleging that he suffered a shoulder injury, specifically Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), caused by the trivalent influenza vaccine he received on October 16, 2013.

The respondent, represented by Lara Englund of the U.S. Department of Justice, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Mr.

Christiancy's alleged injury was consistent with SIRVA and was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccination. The respondent also agreed that the injury lasted for more than six months and no other cause was identified.

Based on this concession, Chief Special Master Denise Kathryn Vowell issued a ruling on entitlement on March 31, 2015, finding Mr. Christiancy entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on May 2, 2016, the parties submitted a proffer on the award of compensation. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey, with petitioner represented by Matthew N.

Menzer of Menzer Law Firm, PLLC, issued a decision on May 2, 2016, awarding Mr. Christiancy a lump sum payment of $432,125.90.

This amount represents compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act. The petitioner was noted to be a competent adult.