VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00611
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00611
Petitioner: Rene Ahern
Filed: 2024-04-18
Decided: 2026-03-12
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2021-10-26
Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 50000

AI-assisted case summary:
On April 18, 2024, Rene Ahern filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on October 26, 2021 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. She alleged a Table SIRVA, residual effects lasting more than six months, and no prior civil award or settlement for the injury.

Respondent denied that Ms. Ahern sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury or any other injury, and denied that her current condition was a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. The case resolved by stipulation, so the public decision does not include onset details, treatment history, imaging, injections, therapy, or expert opinions.

On March 12, 2026, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and awarded $50,000.00 as a lump sum payable through counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Ms. Ahern.

Theory of causation field:
Influenza vaccine on October 26, 2021, allegedly causing SIRVA; COMPENSATED by stipulation. Respondent denied Table SIRVA, vaccine causation, and current sequelae. Public stipulation gives limited clinical detail. Award $50,000 lump sum. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran, petition filed April 18, 2024; decision March 12, 2026. Attorney: Jessi Carin Huff, Maglio Christopher & Toale.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00611-0
Date issued/filed: 2026-04-24
Pages: 8
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 03/12/2026) regarding 30 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer, Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (nh) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:24-vv-00611-UNJ Document 37 Filed 04/24/26 Page 1 of 8
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 24-611V
RENE AHERN, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: March 12, 2026
v.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Jessi Carin Huff, Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, Seattle, WA, for Petitioner.
Eleanor Hanson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1
On April 18, 2024, Rene Ahern filed a petition for compensation under the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine
Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 26,
2021. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at March 6, 2026, ¶¶ 1, 2. Petitioner further alleges
that the vaccine was administered within the United States, that she sustained an injury
within the time period set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table, that she experienced the
residual effects of her condition for more than six months, and that there has been no
award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her injury.
Petition at 1-3; Stipulation at ¶¶ 1-5. Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA
Table injury; denies that the vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury, or any
other injury; and denies that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.
Stipulation at ¶ 6.
1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made
publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or
at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government
Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government
Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In
accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other
information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I
agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2018).

Case 1:24-vv-00611-UNJ Document 37 Filed 04/24/26 Page 2 of 8
Nevertheless, on March 6, 2026, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation
stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.3 I find the stipulation
reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following
compensation:
A lump sum of $50,000.00, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s
counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. Stipulation
at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would
be available under Section 15(a). Id.
I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of
a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to
enter judgment in accordance with this decision.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
3 The Nintex AssureSign signature page located at pages 6-7 is omitted from the attached copy of the
stipulation.
4 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice
renouncing the right to seek review.
2

Case 1:24-vv-00611-UNJ Document 37 Filed 04/24/26 Page 3 of 8
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
RENE AHERN,
Petitioner, No. 24-611V
Chief Special Master Corcoran
ECF
V.
SECRETARY OF HEAL TH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
STIPUI,ATIQN
The parties hereby stipulate to the folJowing matters:
l. Rene Ahem ("petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to-34 (the "Vaccine Program").
The petition seeks compensation for injuries aJlegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an
influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "TabJeH),
42 C.F.R. § 100.J(a).
2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on October 26, 2021.
3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.
4. Petitioner aJleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
("SIRVA") following the vaccination within the time period set forth in the Table. She further
alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six months.
5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action
for damages on her behalf as a result of her alleged injury.
I

Case 1:24-vv-00611-UNJ Document 37 Filed 04/24/26 Page 4 of 8
6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the
vaccine caused petitioner's aJleged shoulder injury, or any other injury; and denies that her
current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.
7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the
issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the
compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation.
8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofj udgment reflecting a decision consistent with
the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the following vaccine compensation payment for aJl damages that would be available Wlder 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a):
A lump sum ofSS0,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner's
counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner.
9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofj udgment on entitlement in this case, and after
petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(l), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before
the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this
petition.
IO. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to
this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable
Wlder 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be
expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or
State health benefits programs (other than Title XlX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
2

Case 1:24-vv-00611-UNJ Document 37 Filed 04/24/26 Page 5 of 8
§ 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.
11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to
paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject
to the availability ofs ufficient statutory funds.
12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award
for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided
pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a
strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-t S(g) and (h).
13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her
individual capacity, and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns,
does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and
the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action
(including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and aJI demands
of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, coutd have been brought, or could be timely
brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program, 42 U.S.C. § JOOaa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all
known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting
from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on October 26, 2021, as
alleged in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on April 18, 2024, in the United States Court
of Federal Claims as petition No. 24-611 V.
14. If petitioner should die prior to entry ofj udgment, this agreement shall be voidable
3

Case 1:24-vv-00611-UNJ Document 37 Filed 04/24/26 Page 6 of 8
upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.
1S . If the Chief Special Master fai)s to issue a decision in complete confonnity with the
tenns of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal C)aims fails to enter judgment in conformity
with a decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties'
settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.
16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and
damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except
as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is abso1ute1y no agreement on the part of the
parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated
and c)ear)y agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this
Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the
items of compensation sought. is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement.
17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged injury or
any other injury or her current disabilities, or that petitioner suffered an injury contained in the
Vaccine Injury Table.
18. AU rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shaJI apply equally to petitioner's
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.
END OF STIPULATION
4

Case 1:24-vv-00611-UNJ Document 37 Filed 04/24/26 Page 7 of 8
Respectfully submitted,
PETfflONER:
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RENE AHERN
ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL:
J,:vc.UM.'li, Q~
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
me aw Deputy Director
1325 4th Ave, Suite 1730 Torts Branch
Seattle, WA 98101 Civil Division
Tel: 888-952-5242 U.S. Department of Justice
E-mail: jhuff@mctlaw.com P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146
AUfflORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATIORNEYOFRECORDFOR
OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT:
AND HUMAN SERVICES:
George R. Grimes_;
DigitallysignedbyGeorreR,
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-0:ate: 2026.02.0S 16~: IO .05'00'
CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH ELEANOR A. HANSON
Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney
Compensation Programs Torts Branch
Health Systems Bureau Civil Division
Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice
Administration P.O. Box 146
U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station
and Human Services Washington, DC 20044-0146
5600FishersLane, 14W-18 Tel: (202) 305-1110
Rockville, MD 20857 E-mail: Eleanor.Hanson@usdoj.gov
5

Case 1:24-vv-00611-UNJ Document 37 Filed 04/24/26 Page 8 of 8
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that today, March 6, 2026, a copy of the foregoing pleading was served by
electronic mail to Jessi C. Huff at jhuff@mctlaw.com.
Isl Irene A. Firiwis
IRENE A. FIRIPPIS
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
(202) 305-3250
irene.a.firippis@usdoj.gov
DA TED: March 6, 2026
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