Shawnta Gillespie v. HHS - Influenza, right shoulder adhesive capsulitis, bursitis, tendinitis, and right axillary nerve neuritis (2018)

Shawnta Gillespie filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered right shoulder adhesive capsulitis, bursitis, tendinitis, and right axillary nerve neuritis as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on November 4, 2014. She further alleged that she suffered the residual effects of these injuries for more than six months.

The respondent conceded that her alleged injuries were consistent with a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table, and that she had no prior history of shoulder issues. The respondent also agreed that her condition persisted for more than six months.

Although the respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused any other injury, including axillary nerve neuritis, or that her current disabilities were a sequela of a vaccine-related injury, the parties ultimately filed a joint stipulation for damages. Based on this stipulation, the Chief Special Master awarded Shawnta Gillespie a lump sum of $90,000.00 in compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.