Charles A. Hightower v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2018)

Charles A. Hightower filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on February 24, 2017, alleging he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of a seasonal influenza vaccine he received on January 2, 2015.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused the petitioner's alleged shoulder injury. However, on October 3, 2018, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Pursuant to the stipulation, the court awarded Charles A.

Hightower a lump sum of $50,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. This decision addresses the damages awarded based on the joint stipulation.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Petitioner was represented by Edward M.

Kraus, and respondent was represented by Ilene Clair Albala. The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey.