Janice Richardson v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2019)

Janice Richardson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 7, 2018, alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on September 21, 2017, caused a right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms.

Richardson is entitled to compensation. The respondent agreed that she suffered SIRVA of the right shoulder, a condition defined by the Vaccine Injury Table, and that she experienced residual effects for more than six months.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the Chief Special Master issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Ms. Richardson entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on September 4, 2019, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, recommending a total award of $143,258.99. This amount included $140,000.00 for past and future pain and suffering and $3,258.99 for documented past unreimbursable expenses.

The proffer stated that Ms. Richardson agreed with this award.

The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding damages on November 18, 2019, granting the lump sum payment of $143,258.99 to Ms. Richardson, which represented compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act.