Ruth Williams v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Ruth Williams filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on March 25, 2021. She alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine administered on September 21, 2020.
Ms. Williams stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that she sustained a SIRVA as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table, and that she suffered residual effects of the injury for more than six months.
The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged injury or any other injury, and denied that her current disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation as her decision.
Pursuant to the stipulation, Ms. Williams was awarded a lump sum of $17,500.00 in compensation for all items of damages, payable by check to Petitioner.
The decision was issued on March 4, 2024, based on a stipulation filed on January 30, 2024. Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V.
Durant, PLLC. Respondent was represented by Mitchell Jones of the U.S.
Department of Justice.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Ruth Williams alleged a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine administered on September 21, 2020. The injury was alleged to be set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table, with residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to a settlement. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation, awarding Petitioner $17,500.00 as compensation for all items of damages. The public decision does not describe the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or detailed clinical findings. The stipulation was filed on January 30, 2024, and the decision was issued on March 4, 2024. Petitioner's counsel was Leah VaSahnja Durant, and Respondent's counsel was Mitchell Jones.