Ann Maloney v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On October 5, 2023, Ann Maloney, then 45, filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 22, 2022 caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The damages record described an earlier left-humerus fracture repaired with a plate years before the vaccine, but no ongoing pre-vaccination shoulder condition like the SIRVA claim.
On October 3, 2022, Ms. Maloney sought care for left shoulder pain, reporting that she had been unable to move the arm for several days and that the pain woke her at night.
Later records described substantial pain, limited range of motion, difficulty using the arm, physical therapy, a steroid injection, and surgery involving acromioplasty and hardware removal. MRI findings included tendinopathy and partial-thickness tearing, and the injury affected her daily work as a stay-at-home parent.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement on July 11, 2024.
At damages, respondent emphasized the prior fracture and argued for a lower award, while petitioner emphasized the pain, surgery, and household limitations. On October 8, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded $120,000.00 for pain and suffering and $654.41 in unreimbursed expenses, for a total lump sum of $120,654.41.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine September 22, 2022 at age 45 causing left SIRVA. ENTITLEMENT GRANTED; COMPENSATED. Record included prior left humerus fracture/hardware but no comparable pre-vaccination shoulder problem; post-vaccine pain documented October 3, 2022, night pain, limited ROM, PT, steroid injection, MRI tendinopathy/partial tearing, and surgery with acromioplasty/hardware removal. Award $120,000 pain/suffering + $654.41 expenses = $120,654.41. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition October 5, 2023; entitlement July 11, 2024; damages October 8, 2025.