Debra Sepulveda v. HHS - Influenza, Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2020)

Debra Sepulveda filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on December 4, 2015. The respondent conceded that her injury was consistent with SIRVA caused by the flu vaccination and that she met all legal prerequisites for compensation.

The respondent also confirmed no other cause for the injury was identified and that she suffered residual effects for more than six months. An initial ruling on entitlement was issued on September 24, 2018, finding her entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on May 22, 2020, the parties filed a proffer on award of damages. The court awarded Debra Sepulveda a total of $126,537.56.

This amount included $120,000.00 for pain and suffering and $6,537.56 for unreimbursable expenses. The award was made as a lump sum payment.