Erich Michael Gram v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2017)

Erich Michael Gram filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by the trivalent influenza vaccine he received on October 23, 2013. The respondent conceded that the case was appropriate for compensation, finding that petitioner's alleged injury was consistent with SIRVA and was caused in fact by the flu vaccine.

The respondent also stated that no other causes for the SIRVA were identified and that petitioner met the statutory requirements for entitlement. A ruling on entitlement was issued on August 4, 2015, finding petitioner entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on February 1, 2017, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, recommending an award of $207,573.00, which petitioner agreed to. This amount was comprised of $160,000.00 for past and future pain and suffering, $30,000.00 for past and future lost wages, $13,823.00 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $3,750.00 for future medical expenses.

The Chief Special Master awarded this lump sum payment to Erich Michael Gram, who was noted to be a competent adult.