Andrea Estell v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Andrea Estell filed a petition on December 31, 2024, alleging that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 3, 2023. She alleged a Table SIRVA with residual effects lasting more than six months.
Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report filed on December 22, 2025. The concession stated that Ms.
Estell had no recent history of left-shoulder pain, inflammation, or dysfunction before vaccination; that shoulder pain began within 48 hours; that pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the vaccinated shoulder; that no other condition explained the injury; and that residual effects continued for more than six months. Chief Special Master Corcoran granted entitlement on January 2, 2026.
Damages were resolved by proffer. On March 10, 2026, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded Ms.
Estell $87,500.00 for pain and suffering and $1,249.55 for past unreimbursable expenses, for a total award of $88,749.55. Payment was directed as a lump sum through counsel's IOLTA account.
Ms. Estell was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V.
Durant PLLC in Washington, D.C.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine on October 3, 2023 causing left Table SIRVA. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED. Rule 4(c) concession: no recent prior left shoulder condition, onset within 48 hours, pain/reduced ROM limited to vaccinated shoulder, no alternative cause, residual effects more than six months. Petition filed December 31, 2024; entitlement January 2, 2026; damages decision by Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran on March 10, 2026. Award $88,749.55 total: $87,500 pain and suffering plus $1,249.55 unreimbursable expenses, lump sum through counsel IOLTA. Attorney: Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant PLLC, Washington DC.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-02154