Taone Randazzo v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On December 22, 2020, Taone Randazzo, a 51-year-old nurse, filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 16, 2019 caused shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Ms.
Randazzo described immediate pain at the injection, using words like "zing" and "ouch," followed by persistent left upper arm pain. She sought treatment about eight weeks later, and records later described subacromial bursitis, bicipital tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, and SIRVA.
Respondent initially challenged the onset element, arguing that an immediate "zing" did not necessarily prove pain and that the delay in treatment weakened the claim. Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found that the record supported pain within forty-eight hours of vaccination and that the remaining Table SIRVA requirements were met. Entitlement was granted on February 27, 2025.
On July 9, 2025, he awarded $50,086.57 as a lump sum, consisting of $50,000.00 for pain and suffering and $86.57 in past unreimbursable expenses.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine October 16, 2019 at age 51 causing Table SIRVA; onset immediate/same day. ENTITLEMENT GRANTED; COMPENSATED. Key evidence: immediate injection pain described as a zing/ouch, later persistent left upper arm pain, diagnoses including subacromial bursitis, bicipital tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, and SIRVA. Respondent contested onset based on delayed treatment and wording of immediate pain; SM found onset within 48 hours and remaining Table elements satisfied. Award $50,000 pain/suffering + $86.57 expenses = $50,086.57. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition December 22, 2020; entitlement February 27, 2025; damages July 9, 2025.