Gail Cope v. HHS - Influenza, Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Gail Cope filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on October 27, 2021. Respondent denied that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that any vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury, and denied that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.

Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle the case and award compensation. The Chief Special Master adopted the stipulation as the decision, awarding Gail Cope a lump sum of $30,000.00 for all items of damages available under Section 15(a).

This award represents a compromise of the parties' respective positions on liability and damages. The stipulation also outlines the process for awarding attorneys' fees and litigation costs.