Patricia Stoddard v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (2024)

Patricia Stoddard filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine she received on October 8, 2019. She alleged that she experienced residual effects of the injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Ms. Stoddard sustained a Table SIRVA injury, denied that the vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury or any other injury, and denied that her current condition was a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.

Despite these denials, the parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case. The court adopted the stipulation as its decision awarding damages.

Ms. Stoddard was awarded a lump sum of $28,500.00 as compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

This amount represents a compromise of the parties' respective positions on liability and damages. The case proceeded as a Table claim, and the award covers all damages, including pain and suffering and past unreimbursable expenses.