Helga Matthews v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2017)

Helga Matthews filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on August 5, 2016. She alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccination she received on September 30, 2015.

Ms. Matthews stated that the vaccination occurred in the United States and that the sequelae of her injury lasted for more than six months.

She also represented that she had not received any previous award or settlement for her injury. The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Ms.

Matthews' alleged SIRVA or any other injury, and further denied that her current disabilities were a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. On April 12, 2017, the parties filed a joint stipulation for damages.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court. Ms.

Matthews was awarded a lump sum of $95,000.00 as compensation for all items of damages. The decision was issued on December 13, 2017.

Stephen I. Leshner represented the petitioner, and Collen Clemons Hartley represented the respondent.