Gretchen Handy v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2020)

On August 7, 2018, Gretchen Handy filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine received on January 14, 2016. Ms.

Handy claimed the injury met the Table definition for SIRVA, was caused-in-fact by the vaccine, and that she continued to suffer residual effects for more than six months. The respondent denied that the injury met the Table timeframe, that residual effects lasted more than six months, and that the vaccine caused the injury.

Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on July 15, 2020, agreeing to settle the case. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran adopted the stipulation, awarding Gretchen Handy a lump sum of $50,000.00 as compensation for all damages. The decision was issued on August 18, 2020.

Petitioner was represented by Kate Gerayne Westad of SiebenCarey, and respondent was represented by Mark Kim Hellie of the U.S. Department of Justice.