Kathryn T. Ward v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2026)

On May 6, 2022, Kathryn T. Ward filed a petition seeking compensation under the Vaccine Program, alleging shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving influenza on September 27, 2019.

Respondent contested entitlement and later proposed $47,500.00 for pain and suffering. The entitlement ruling found onset of pain within 48 hours and that the Table SIRVA requirements were met.

On damages, petitioner sought $80,000.00 for actual pain and suffering; the Special Master awarded $75,000.00 after a Motions Day hearing. The written damages decision incorporated an oral ruling; the transcript was not yet filed in the public staged text.

On February 11, 2026, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the parties' stipulation or proffer, found the disposition reasonable on the record before the Court, and awarded $75,000.00 pain and suffering plus $607.27 unreimbursed expenses.

Petitioner was represented by Matthew F. Belanger, Faraci Lange, LLP, Rochester, NY.