Meghan Lakata v. HHS - Tdap, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On September 9, 2024, Meghan Lakata filed a petition alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration after receiving influenza and Tdap vaccinations on October 19, 2023. The stipulation also notes that she received a COVID-19 vaccine the same day.
Ms. Lakata pursued the case as a SIRVA claim connected to the flu and/or Tdap vaccination.
Respondent denied that her alleged SIRVA or residual effects were caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine or Tdap vaccine, and denied that those vaccines caused any other injury or current condition. Because the case resolved by stipulation, the public decision does not provide a clinical timeline, imaging, injections, therapy records, or expert analysis.
On November 4, 2025, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded $94,500.00 as a lump sum, payable through counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Ms.
Lakata. A later February 27, 2026 decision awarded attorney's fees and costs separately.
Theory of causation
Influenza and Tdap vaccines on October 19, 2023, with same-day COVID-19 vaccination also noted, allegedly causing SIRVA; COMPENSATED by stipulation. Respondent denied causation-in-fact by flu and/or Tdap and denied any current sequela. Public stipulation contains no detailed clinical chronology or expert analysis. Award $94,500 lump sum. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran, petition filed September 9, 2024; decision November 4, 2025. Attorney: Siri & Glimstad counsel; fee decision later separated from injury award.