Cynthia Crider v. HHS - Influenza, right-sided shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)

On January 12, 2021, Cynthia Crider filed a petition alleging a right-sided shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) resulting from an influenza vaccine received on September 25, 2019. Petitioner, born in 1967, initially presented with pain after the vaccination that spread down her arm.

While a walk-in clinic suggested the pain was from a prior fall, her primary care provider later documented that the pain began instantly with the vaccination and persisted. The respondent initially contested entitlement, arguing the injury did not meet the severity requirement or onset within 48 hours.

However, following a ruling on entitlement by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran on September 18, 2023, which found that Petitioner had presented preponderant evidence that the shoulder injury had residual effects lasting more than six months, onset within 48 hours, and no other condition explaining the symptoms, the respondent conceded entitlement.

The case then proceeded to the damages phase. On November 6, 2023, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision on damages, awarding Petitioner a total of $20,291.15.

This award comprised $20,000.00 for pain and suffering and $291.15 for past unreimbursable expenses, to be paid as a lump sum. Petitioner was represented by Jimmy A.

Zgheib of Zgheib Sayad, P.C., and the respondent was represented by Andrew Henning of the U.S. Department of Justice.