Veronica Baker v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On October 31, 2022, Veronica Baker filed a Vaccine Program petition after receiving an influenza vaccine on September 24, 2021. She alleged that the shot caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, or SIRVA, and that residual effects lasted more than six months.
Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report filed December 7, 2023. Respondent concluded that Baker's injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table and that she had satisfied the legal prerequisites for compensation.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran granted entitlement on December 15, 2023.
The public rulings do not provide a treatment history beyond the SIRVA concession. Respondent filed a damages proffer on April 4, 2024, and Baker agreed.
On April 5, 2024, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded a lump sum of $100,094.00, payable to Baker. The award consisted of $97,500.00 for pain and suffering, $309.00 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $2,285.00 for lost wages.
Baker was represented by Jonathan Joseph Svitak of Shannon Law Group, P.C.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine (September 24, 2021) causing SIRVA with residual effects more than six months. COMPENSATED. Respondent conceded Table SIRVA and legal prerequisites; public decisions contain limited clinical detail beyond concession. Entitlement granted by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran on December 15, 2023; damages awarded April 5, 2024. Award: $100,094.00 lump sum ($97,500.00 pain and suffering + $309.00 past unreimbursable expenses + $2,285.00 lost wages). Attorney: Jonathan Joseph Svitak, Shannon Law Group, P.C., Woodridge, IL.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01621