Joan Western v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On May 13, 2024, Joan Western filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered in her left arm on October 31, 2022 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The stipulation also referenced a COVID-19 vaccination given the same day and later flu and COVID booster vaccinations on November 28, 2023; the COVID-related releases were outside the Vaccine Program.
The public stipulation provides limited clinical detail. It states that Ms.
Western alleged a SIRVA lasting longer than six months. Respondent denied that she suffered a Table SIRVA, denied that the flu vaccine caused any shoulder injury or other injury, and denied vaccine-related sequelae.
On August 20, 2025, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded Ms.
Western $8,500.00 in a lump sum, payable by ACH deposit to counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. Ms.
Western was represented by Jubaile Abila of Groth Law.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine, October 31, 2022, adult exact age not stated, alleged left arm SIRVA; public stipulation also referenced same-day COVID-19 vaccination and a later November 28, 2023 flu/COVID booster release outside the VICP. COMPENSATED by stipulation for $8,500. Respondent denied Table SIRVA, causation, and vaccine-related sequelae. Chief Special Master Corcoran, August 20, 2025. Attorney Jubaile Abila, Groth Law.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00747