Stephanie Smith v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury (2016)

Filed 2016-04-28Decided 2016-07-28Vaccine Influenza
compensated$75,300

Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]

Stephanie Smith filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 28, 2016, alleging that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on November 14, 2014. The respondent, represented by Darryl R.

Wishard of the U.S. Department of Justice, conceded that the petitioner's injury was consistent with SIRVA and was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine she received on November 14, 2014.

The respondent also agreed that Ms. Smith met all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Act.

On June 2, 2016, Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Ms. Smith entitled to compensation based on the respondent's concession.

Subsequently, on June 14, 2016, the respondent filed a proffer recommending an award of $75,300.00, stating that the petitioner agreed with this amount. The proffer indicated that this sum represented all elements of compensation available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

The public text does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical examinations, or treatments undertaken by Ms. Smith.

On July 28, 2016, Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey issued a decision awarding Stephanie Smith a lump sum payment of $75,300.00, payable by check to Ms. Smith.

The decision noted that attorneys' fees and costs were to be discussed separately. The case was represented by Paul R.

Brazil of Muller Brazil, LLP for the petitioner and Darryl R. Wishard for the respondent.

The Special Master was Nora Beth Dorsey.

Theory of causation

Petitioner Stephanie Smith alleged a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on November 14, 2014. The respondent conceded that the injury was consistent with SIRVA and was caused-in-fact by the vaccine. The public text does not detail the specific medical mechanism of injury or name any medical experts. The case proceeded on concession, and entitlement was established on June 2, 2016, by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. A subsequent decision on July 28, 2016, by Chief Special Master Dorsey awarded a lump sum of $75,300.00, representing all damages under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a), based on a proffer agreed to by both parties. Petitioner was represented by Paul R. Brazil and respondent by Darryl R. Wishard.

Source PDFs 3 total · 2 downloaded