James Socha v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

James Socha filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on November 16, 2022. He stated that he received the vaccine in the United States, suffered residual effects for more than six months, and had not filed a civil action or received other compensation.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that the petitioner's injury was consistent with SIRVA, a defined Table injury, and that he met all legal prerequisites for compensation. Subsequently, a Ruling on Entitlement was issued finding Mr.

Socha entitled to compensation. The parties then agreed to a proffer of damages.

The court awarded Mr. Socha a lump sum payment of $105,000.00 for pain and suffering, and an additional $9,381.77 to satisfy the State of Wisconsin Medicaid lien.

The total award amounted to $114,381.77.