Kristen McLaughlin v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On January 30, 2024, Kristen McLaughlin filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on November 13, 2021 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Respondent initially opposed compensation, focusing on the SIRVA requirement that pain and reduced range of motion be limited to the vaccinated shoulder.
Respondent pointed to records reflecting radiating pain. Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran issued findings on June 12, 2025. He concluded that Ms.
McLaughlin satisfied the disputed pain-location criterion and noted that respondent had not meaningfully contested the remaining SIRVA and statutory requirements. The decision directed further development and encouraged renewed settlement discussions.
The case resolved by stipulation. On October 22, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran adopted the joint stipulation and awarded Ms.
McLaughlin $110,000.00 as a lump sum for all Vaccine Act damages. The public damages decision is a stipulation decision and does not add a detailed treatment chronology or expert testimony beyond the earlier entitlement discussion.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine, November 13, 2021, alleged SIRVA. COMPENSATED. Respondent initially argued she could not satisfy Table SIRVA because records reflected radiating pain beyond the shoulder; Chief Special Master Corcoran ruled June 12, 2025 that the pain-location criterion was met and indicated respondent had not developed objections to the remaining SIRVA criteria. The parties later stipulated to $110,000 for all Section 15(a) damages. Final decision October 22, 2025.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00147