Kimberly Starnes v. HHS - Influenza, right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), resulting in bursitis and adhesive capsulitis in her right shoulder (2023)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Kimberly Starnes, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on November 6, 2019. Within 48 hours, she developed a right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), diagnosed as bursitis and adhesive capsulitis.
She alleged that her injuries persisted for more than six months. The respondent conceded entitlement to compensation, agreeing that Ms.
Starnes had no prior shoulder issues, her pain occurred shortly after vaccination, was limited to the injection site, and no other condition explained her symptoms. The case proceeded to a damages determination.
After a hearing, the court awarded Ms. Starnes $80,032.06, comprising $78,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,032.06 for past unreimbursed expenses.
The court noted that while her pain was severe at times and lasted for 34 months with treatment gaps, it ultimately decreased to a moderate level, and her prognosis was good, distinguishing her case from those with more severe or permanent injuries.