Helen Leonard v. HHS - Tdap, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Helen Leonard filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of a Tdap vaccination she received on February 22, 2018. The respondent conceded that Petitioner is entitled to compensation, stating her medical course was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table.

Specifically, she had no pre-vaccination history of shoulder issues, pain occurred within 48 hours after the vaccination, and the pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the injection shoulder. The respondent also agreed that she suffered residual effects for more than six months.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, entitlement to compensation was granted. Subsequently, a damages decision was issued.

The respondent proffered an award of $130,000.00 for pain and suffering, which Petitioner agreed to. The court awarded Helen Leonard a lump sum payment of $130,000.00 for pain and suffering.