Joanna Oakley v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2020)

Joanna Oakley 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 her October 1, 2015 influenza vaccination. The respondent conceded that her injury was consistent with SIRVA and was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine.

The respondent also agreed that no other cause was identified, that her SIRVA lasted more than six months, and that she met all legal prerequisites for compensation. Consequently, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding her entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, the parties submitted a proffer on the award of compensation. The respondent proposed an award of $267,936.57, which included $175,000.00 for pain and suffering, $90,389.69 for past lost earnings, $2,275.00 for vocational training, and $271.88 for mileage.

Petitioner agreed with this proffered award. Based on the record, the court awarded Joanna Oakley a lump sum payment of $267,936.57.