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

Dawn Coppersmith filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 30, 2021. She claimed the injury was a Table injury and that its residual effects lasted for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reviewed the petition and medical records and conceded that compensation was appropriate. The respondent confirmed that the injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table, noting no prior history of shoulder issues, pain occurring within 48 hours post-vaccination, pain limited to the injection site, and no other identified cause.

A ruling on entitlement was issued on April 29, 2024, finding Ms. Coppersmith entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on October 2, 2024, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, proposing $135,000.00 for pain and suffering, $1,241.79 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $3,886.75 for past lost wages. Ms.

Coppersmith agreed with these amounts. The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding a total lump sum of $140,128.54 to Ms.

Coppersmith.