Vera Veronica Kelly v. HHS - Tdap, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2020)

Filed 2019-03-26Decided 2020-10-20Vaccine Tdap
compensated$93,105

Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]

Vera Veronica Kelly filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on March 26, 2019. She alleged that a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine administered on January 25, 2017, caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding entitlement to compensation, agreeing that the petitioner suffered a SIRVA consistent with a Table injury and had met the legal prerequisites for compensation. On April 7, 2020, Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Ms. Kelly entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on September 14, 2020, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation. The proffer proposed an award of $93,105.44, consisting of $90,000.00 for pain and suffering and $3,105.44 for past unreimbursed expenses.

The petitioner agreed with this proffered award. On October 20, 2020, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding Ms.

Kelly a lump sum of $93,105.44, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical examinations, or treatments.

Petitioner was represented by Elizabeth Martin Muldowney of Sands Anderson PC, and respondent was represented by Voris Edward Johnson of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Theory of causation

Petitioner Vera Veronica Kelly alleged a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) following a Tdap vaccination on January 25, 2017. The respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that the injury was consistent with a Table injury. The public text does not detail the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or clinical findings beyond the diagnosis of SIRVA. The case proceeded to a damages decision based on a proffer agreed to by both parties. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on April 7, 2020, and a final decision awarding damages on October 20, 2020. The award totaled $93,105.44, comprising $90,000.00 for pain and suffering and $3,105.44 for past unreimbursed expenses. Petitioner was represented by Elizabeth Martin Muldowney, and respondent by Voris Edward Johnson.

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