Kathryn Rector v. HHS - Influenza, Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) (2020)

Kathryn Rector filed a petition for compensation on November 13, 2017, alleging she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 17, 2016. The respondent conceded that Ms.

Rector was entitled to compensation, acknowledging it was a Table SIRVA injury with no other identified causes and that the statutory sequela requirement was met. A ruling on entitlement was issued on November 20, 2019.

Subsequently, on August 12, 2020, a decision awarding damages was issued. The court found Ms.

Rector entitled to an award of $125,000.00, comprising $120,000.00 for pain and suffering and $5,000.00 for past lost wages. The injury involved a rotator cuff tear requiring surgery, with recovery taking approximately 11 months.

The award was based on the severity and duration of her injury, considering similar SIRVA cases that required surgery and resulted in significant improvement post-operation.