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.