John Helmandollar v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2022)

Brenda Helmandollar, administrator of the estate of John Helmandollar, filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that John Helmandollar suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on September 23, 2018.

The petition stated that the vaccine was received in the United States and that Mr. Helmandollar’s injuries lasted more than six months.

The respondent conceded entitlement to compensation, agreeing that Mr. Helmandollar had no prior history of shoulder issues, that pain occurred within 48 hours after the vaccination, was limited to the injection site, and that no other condition explained the pain.

The respondent also agreed that the injury lasted more than six months, satisfying all legal prerequisites for compensation. A ruling on entitlement was issued on January 26, 2022, finding the petitioner entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on February 1, 2022, the respondent filed a proffer agreeing to an award of $52,500.00 for all damages. The petitioner agreed with this proffered award.

The court awarded a lump sum payment of $52,500.00 to the petitioner.