Nakia Payton v. HHS - Tdap, right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On February 10, 2025, Nakia Payton filed a petition alleging that a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination on February 19, 2024 caused a right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The case proceeded in the Special Processing Unit.
Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report on September 8, 2025 conceding that Ms. Payton was entitled to compensation for a Table SIRVA.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran granted entitlement on September 9, 2025.
The public entitlement ruling is short and does not describe the onset interval, treatment course, imaging, functional limits, or expert testimony beyond respondent's concession. Damages were resolved by proffer.
On October 3, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded Ms. Payton a lump sum of $36,650.00, consisting of $36,500.00 for pain and suffering and $150.00 for past unreimbursable expenses, paid through counsel's IOLTA account.
Theory of causation
Tdap vaccine, February 19, 2024, right SIRVA. ENTITLEMENT GRANTED September 9, 2025 after respondent conceded Table SIRVA/legal prerequisites in Rule 4(c). COMPENSATED October 3, 2025. Public rulings do not describe onset details beyond Table concession or clinical treatment. Award: $36,650 total ($36,500 pain and suffering + $150 past unreimbursable expenses), ACH to counsel IOLTA. Chief Special Master Corcoran. Attorney Paul R. Brazil; respondent Sara DeStefano.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-00239