Joanne S. Taylor v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On August 26, 2022, Joanne S. Taylor filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on January 6, 2020 caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.
Respondent argued that Ms. Taylor had not shown shoulder pain within 48 hours of vaccination.
The Special Master credited testimony and medical-context evidence supporting close-in-time onset, even though formal treatment occurred months later. Orthopedic records later assessed post-injection shoulder pain, cuff tendinitis, and imaging showed rotator cuff tendinosis with partial tear and osteoarthritis.
Ms. Taylor ultimately underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression in April 2021.
On January 28, 2026, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran awarded $110,000.00 for pain and suffering and $403.43 in unreimbursed expenses, for a total of $110,403.43.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine January 6, 2020 causing left SIRVA; adult, exact age not stated; onset within 48 hours found despite delayed treatment. COMPENSATED. Key evidence: PCP comment, later ortho records, MRI rotator cuff tendinosis/partial tear/OA, April 2021 arthroscopic repair/subacromial decompression. Award $110,000 pain/suffering + $403.43 expenses = $110,403.43. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition August 26, 2022; decision January 28, 2026.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01098