Sondra Ritchie-Coppler v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injuries including rotator cuff tears and adhesive capsulitis (2017)

Sondra Ritchie-Coppler filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 15, 2015. She alleged that an influenza vaccine received on October 18, 2012, caused left shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears and adhesive capsulitis, and that she suffered residual effects for more than six months.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused the alleged injuries or that the petitioner's current disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on February 8, 2017, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Sondra Ritchie-Coppler was awarded a lump sum of $349,075.00, payable to her, as compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

This decision was based on the joint stipulation, not on a finding of entitlement after a contested hearing. Petitioner was represented by Leonard C.

Herr, Jr., and respondent was represented by Lisa Ann Watts.