Karen Baird v. HHS - Influenza, right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On January 11, 2021, Karen Baird filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 11, 2018 caused a right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Her history included chronic pain conditions involving other parts of the body, including CRPS/RSD and neck, left shoulder, and back complaints.
The right-shoulder record began within weeks of vaccination. On October 19, 2018, physical therapy noted that the flu shot aggravated her right pectoralis area, and on October 26 Dr.
Lerman recorded severe right shoulder and upper chest wall pain almost immediately after the injection, diagnosed subacromial bursitis, and administered a steroid injection. The later record included physical therapy, imaging, injections, discussions of surgery, and fluctuating right-shoulder symptoms, with some periods of improvement and later recurrence.
Respondent conceded Table SIRVA, and Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement on October 23, 2023.
The damages ruling weighed the vaccine-related shoulder injury against Ms. Baird's preexisting pain history and mixed course.
On November 19, 2025, the Chief Special Master awarded $175,000.00 for actual pain and suffering.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine October 11, 2018 causing right SIRVA; adult exact age not stated. COMPENSATED. Respondent conceded Table SIRVA: no prior right shoulder condition, pain within 48 hours, symptoms localized to shoulder, no better alternative. Key records: PT October 19, 2018 and Dr. Lerman October 26, 2018 documenting severe right shoulder/upper chest wall pain after injection; steroid injection, PT, imaging, recurrent symptoms. Entitlement October 23, 2023; damages November 19, 2025. Award $175,000.00 actual pain/suffering. CSM Corcoran. Petition filed January 11, 2021.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00501