Emma Runyon v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Emma Runyon filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on June 15, 2022, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on September 21, 2020. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) Report on August 9, 2024, conceding that the petitioner's claim met the Table criteria for SIRVA and that she was entitled to compensation.
On August 14, 2024, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement, finding the petitioner entitled to compensation.
Subsequently, on February 12, 2025, the respondent filed a Proffer on Award of Compensation, proposing an award of $85,000.00 for pain and suffering, which the petitioner agreed to. On March 17, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Decision Awarding Damages, awarding the petitioner a lump sum payment of $85,000.00 for pain and suffering, to be paid through an ACH deposit to her counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement.
Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, and respondent was represented by Debra A.
Filteau Begley of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The public decision does not describe the onset, specific symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the mechanism of injury.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Emma Runyon filed a petition on June 15, 2022, alleging a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) following an influenza vaccine received on September 21, 2020. The respondent conceded that the claim met the Table criteria for SIRVA. A Ruling on Entitlement was issued by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran on August 14, 2024, finding entitlement. Subsequently, a Decision Awarding Damages was issued by Chief Special Master Corcoran on March 17, 2025, awarding a lump sum of $85,000.00 for pain and suffering, as stipulated by the parties. Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant, and Respondent was represented by Debra A. Filteau Begley. The public text indicates the injury is a "Table" injury, but does not detail the specific mechanism or any expert testimony.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00670