Patricia Slugo v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2022)

Patricia Slugo 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) as a result of an influenza vaccination she received on September 26, 2017. The respondent conceded that Petitioner was entitled to compensation, agreeing that she met the criteria for a Table injury.

Specifically, the respondent noted that Petitioner had no prior history of shoulder issues, her pain and reduced range of motion occurred within 48 hours of the vaccination, her symptoms were limited to the injection shoulder, and no other condition explained her symptoms. The case proceeded to a damages hearing as the parties could not informally resolve the issue.

Petitioner sought $110,000.00 for pain and suffering, while the respondent recommended $80,000.00. The Chief Special Master awarded Patricia Slugo a total of $109,801.42, which included $108,000.00 for actual pain and suffering, $900.00 for unreimbursable expenses, and $901.42 for lost wages.