Richard Steck v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Richard Steck filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccination on September 30, 2021. He further alleged that the residual effects of this injury persisted for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Mr. Steck's injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table.

The respondent specifically noted that Mr. Steck had no prior history of shoulder issues, that pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination, was limited to the injection site, and no other condition explained the pain.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the court found Mr. Steck entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, a decision awarding damages was issued. The respondent proffered an award of $60,000.00 for pain and suffering, plus $52.19 to satisfy a Medicaid lien.

Mr. Steck agreed to this award.

The court awarded the total amount of $60,052.19, covering pain and suffering and the Medicaid lien reimbursement.