Melissa Strait v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2021)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Melissa Strait filed a petition on March 11, 2019, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 4, 2017.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Strait met the criteria for a Table injury, specifically SIRVA, and that her condition resulted in residual effects for more than six months.
Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on November 19, 2021, finding Ms.
Strait eligible for compensation. Subsequently, on November 17, 2021, the respondent filed a combined Rule 4 report and proffer on award of compensation, indicating that Ms.
Strait should be awarded $107,889.87. The respondent represented that Ms.
Strait agreed with this proffered award. On November 19, 2021, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding Ms.
Strait a lump sum payment of $107,889.87. This award comprised $107,500.00 for pain and suffering and $389.87 for unreimbursable expenses.
The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant, and Respondent was represented by Camille Michelle Collett.