Julie Munafo v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On June 27, 2024, Julie Munafo filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on September 22, 2022, caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The public record identifies her as a competent adult but does not state her exact age.
Respondent conceded entitlement, stating that Ms. Munafo met the requirements for a Table SIRVA: no prior left shoulder pain, inflammation, or dysfunction; pain beginning within 48 hours of vaccination; symptoms limited to the vaccinated shoulder; no other condition that more likely explained the injury; and residual effects lasting more than six months.
Chief Special Master Corcoran entered entitlement on April 14, 2025. The public damages proffer does not describe the medical visits, imaging, injections, therapy, or functional limitations in detail.
On September 10, 2025, the Chief Special Master awarded $65,000.00 for pain and suffering, payable by ACH deposit to counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. Ms.
Munafo was represented by Leigh Finfer.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine, September 22, 2022, competent adult exact age not stated, left shoulder SIRVA. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED April 14, 2025; COMPENSATED September 10, 2025. Respondent conceded no prior left-shoulder pain/inflammation/dysfunction, onset within 48 hours, symptoms limited to the left shoulder, no more likely alternative condition, and residual effects exceeding six months. Public proffer has no detailed clinical timeline. Award: $65,000 pain and suffering only. Chief Special Master Corcoran. Attorney Leigh Finfer.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00993