Cassandra Hamilton v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Cassandra Hamilton filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on March 13, 2020. She reported pain and limited range of motion in her left shoulder starting three weeks after the vaccination.

Medical records documented a strain of the infraspinatus tendon with a partial thickness tear. Hamilton underwent physical therapy for her shoulder pain, which improved over time.

The respondent conceded that Hamilton was entitled to compensation, agreeing that her injury satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table for SIRVA. The parties were unable to agree on damages, and the court awarded Hamilton $60,000.00 for actual pain and suffering.

The decision was issued on July 20, 2023, following the initial ruling on entitlement on February 23, 2023. The petition was filed on January 8, 2021.