Esmeralda Morales v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (2016)

Esmeralda Morales filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccination she received on March 19, 2014. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

Respondent conceded entitlement, believing the injury was consistent with SIRVA and caused by the vaccine, and identified no alternative cause. The undersigned Chief Special Master issued a ruling on entitlement on February 3, 2016, finding Ms.

Morales entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on August 2, 2016, the parties filed a proffer on award of compensation.

The decision on October 6, 2016, awarded Ms. Morales $76,451.58, comprising a lump sum of $76,000.00 payable to her and $451.58 to reimburse a Medicaid lien, payable jointly to her and the Florida Medicaid Casualty Recovery Program.