Ronald Watkins v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury (2016)

On February 18, 2015, Ronald Watkins filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging he suffered a shoulder injury following his influenza vaccination on October 1, 2013. Mr.

Watkins claimed the injury was residual and lasted for more than six months, and that he had not received any prior award or settlement for this condition. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, respondent, denied that the influenza immunization caused Mr.

Watkins' alleged shoulder injury or any other condition. The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation for damages on January 28, 2016, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court. The stipulation provided that Mr.

Watkins would receive a lump sum of $75,000.00, payable by check to the petitioner. This amount was intended to cover all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

Judgment was to be entered in accordance with this decision. Michael McLaren of Black McLaren Jones Ryland & Griffee PC represented the petitioner, and Camille Collett of the U.S.

Department of Justice represented the respondent. The decision was entered on May 4, 2016.