Aimee Nichols v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injuries, to include tendinopathy and adhesive capsulitis (2018)

On May 2, 2017, Aimee Nichols filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Petitioner alleged that she suffered left shoulder injuries, including tendinopathy and adhesive capsulitis, caused by her influenza vaccine administered on October 1, 2015.

Petitioner further alleged that she suffered residual effects of her injury for more than six months and that there had been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged left shoulder injuries or any other injury, and further denied that petitioner's disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury.

On March 7, 2018, the parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Pursuant to the stipulation, the Chief Special Master awarded Aimee Nichols a lump sum of $140,000.00, payable to petitioner, as compensation for all items of damages. This decision was issued on June 12, 2018.

Petitioner was represented by Alison H. Haskins of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, and respondent was represented by Lisa Ann Watts of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The case proceeded as a Table claim for Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).