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

Oneil Walker filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on February 9, 2023, alleging he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on November 12, 2021. He claimed the injury was a Table injury or, in the alternative, a cause-in-fact injury, and that he experienced residual effects for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Mr. Walker sustained a SIRVA Table injury or that the vaccine caused his shoulder injury.

Despite these differing positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation on August 13, 2024, agreeing to settle the case. The Chief Special Master adopted the stipulation as the decision awarding damages.

Mr. Walker was awarded a lump sum of $25,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act.

This award covers all items of damages, and the parties agreed to submit to further proceedings for attorneys' fees and costs. The stipulation also included a release of all claims against the United States and the Secretary related to the alleged injury from the November 12, 2021, influenza vaccination.