Melissa Huntington v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On January 17, 2024, Melissa Huntington filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 26, 2022 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The public record identifies her as a competent adult but does not give her exact age.
Respondent conceded entitlement after DICP review. The concession stated that Ms.
Huntington had no prior shoulder pain, inflammation, or dysfunction; that shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination; that pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the vaccinated shoulder; that no other condition explained the pain; and that the residual effects lasted more than six months. Chief Special Master Corcoran granted entitlement on October 2, 2024.
After entitlement, respondent filed a proffer of compensation and Ms. Huntington agreed with the proposed award.
On October 21, 2025, the Chief Special Master awarded $174,941.94 as a lump sum: $160,000.00 for pain and suffering and $14,941.94 for lost wages. The award was payable to Ms.
Huntington through counsel's IOLTA account.
Theory of causation
Adult petitioner; influenza vaccine October 26, 2022; Table SIRVA. COMPENSATED. Respondent conceded no prior shoulder symptoms, pain within 48 hours, pain/ROM limitation confined to vaccinated shoulder, no alternative condition, and residual effects beyond six months. Entitlement October 2, 2024; damages October 21, 2025. Award $174,941.94 ($160,000 pain/suffering + $14,941.94 lost wages). Petition filed January 17, 2024.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00058