Shawn Wilson-Blount v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Shawn Wilson-Blount, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on November 4, 2020. Within approximately 48 hours, she developed pain and limited range of motion in her left shoulder, consistent with Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).
She sought medical attention starting November 24, 2020, and underwent extensive treatment including physical therapy, steroid injections, an MRI, and arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff and SLAP tears. The respondent initially argued against entitlement, claiming the onset was outside the 48-hour window and that other pre-existing conditions could explain the symptoms.
However, the court found that the evidence preponderantly supported an onset within 48 hours and that the SIRVA criteria were met. The case proceeded to damages, where the petitioner sought $160,000 for pain and suffering, while the respondent proposed $120,000.
The court awarded Shawn Wilson-Blount $120,000 for pain and suffering, finding her injury to be moderate and lasting approximately thirteen months, with subsequent issues attributed to comorbidities or intervening factors.