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

Norma Blanco filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she received an influenza vaccine on December 27, 2016, and subsequently suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA). The respondent conceded that her injury was consistent with SIRVA and that she met all legal prerequisites for compensation.

The court issued a ruling on entitlement, finding her eligible. The parties were unable to agree on damages, leading to a decision awarding compensation.

After considering the severity and duration of her injury, which included significant treatment such as physical therapy, steroid injections, MRI scans, and arthroscopic surgery, the court awarded Norma Blanco a total of $136,140.52. This amount included $135,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,140.52 for past unreimbursed expenses.

The decision noted that while her injury was significant and required extensive treatment over two years, she ultimately made a substantial recovery, which influenced the final award amount compared to other SIRVA cases.