Lori Hillstead v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2016)

Lori Hillstead filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on November 25, 2015. She alleged that she received an influenza vaccine in her left deltoid on September 23, 2014, and subsequently suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, commonly known as SIRVA.

The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit. On June 13, 2016, the respondent conceded that petitioner was entitled to compensation, agreeing that the alleged injury was consistent with SIRVA caused by the flu vaccine and that petitioner had met all legal prerequisites.

Following this ruling on entitlement, the parties proceeded to damages. On September 20, 2016, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, proposing an award of $165,000.00, which represented all elements of compensation available under the Vaccine Act.

Petitioner, an adult, agreed with this proffered award. The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding Lori Hillstead a lump sum payment of $165,000.00 on December 1, 2016.