Lisa Plaza v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Lisa Plaza filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine administered on September 27, 2019. She reported pain and weakness in her left arm starting on the same day as the vaccination, which she linked to the flu shot.

Medical records documented her ongoing shoulder pain and limited range of motion, with diagnoses including rotator cuff injury and bursitis. The respondent initially opposed compensation, arguing that the injury did not meet the severity requirement of six months of residual effects and that the onset of pain was not clearly within 48 hours of vaccination.

However, the Chief Special Master found that Petitioner established the severity of her injury and that the onset of pain more likely than not occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. The court determined that Lisa Plaza met the criteria for a Table SIRVA and was entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, a decision awarding damages was issued, granting Lisa Plaza a lump sum payment of $49,192.88, which included $49,000.00 for pain and suffering and $192.88 for past unreimbursable expenses. This award was based on a proffer agreed upon by both parties.