Danielle Polzin v. HHS - tetanus-diphtheria (Td), left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On June 22, 2022, Danielle Polzin filed a petition alleging that a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine administered on December 16, 2019 caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The public materials identify her as an adult petitioner but do not state her exact age.
Respondent contested entitlement, focusing on whether onset occurred within 48 hours and whether the six-month severity requirement was met. Respondent pointed to a first medical visit 29 days after vaccination and a long gap after February 2020, including later medical visits for other issues that did not mention the shoulder.
Ms. Polzin relied on her affidavit, home exercise efforts, and the later medical record to support the injury's continuity.
Chief Special Master Corcoran found entitlement on April 28, 2025 but recognized that the sparse treatment record affected damages. On November 7, 2025, he awarded $116,569.43: $110,000.00 for pain and suffering, $3,388.62 for past unreimbursed expenses, and $3,180.81 for lost wages.
Theory of causation
Td vaccine December 16, 2019 causing left SIRVA in adult petitioner. COMPENSATED. Respondent contested onset within 48 hours and six-month severity because first care was 29 days post-vaccination and records showed a long treatment gap. Petitioner relied on affidavit/home PT and medical records. Entitlement April 28, 2025; damages November 7, 2025. Award $116,569.43 ($110,000 pain/suffering + $3,388.62 expenses + $3,180.81 lost wages). Petition filed June 22, 2022.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00700