Sky Sorensen v. HHS - HPV, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2018)

Sky Sorensen filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on August 7, 2018, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by her September 23, 2016 human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. She further alleged that she suffered residual effects for more than six months and that there had been no prior award or settlement for this injury.

The respondent denied that the HPV vaccine caused her injury. Nevertheless, the parties filed a joint stipulation for damages, which Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted.

The decision awarded Sky Sorensen a total of $31,495.37. This amount consisted of $30,000.00 in pain and suffering, paid as a lump sum check to the petitioner, and $1,495.37 to satisfy a State of Oregon Medicaid lien, paid as a lump sum check payable jointly to the petitioner and PacificSource Health Plans.

Petitioner agreed to endorse the latter payment to PacificSource Health Plans. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical examinations, or treatments.

Petitioner was represented by Andrew Downing of Van Cott & Talamante, PLLC, and respondent was represented by Camille Michelle Collett of the U.S. Department of Justice.