Vaccine Compensation Awarded to Christian Sturz

Strategic Insights -

Christian Sturz, a petitioner, received a $20,000 compensation award for injuries allegedly related to his receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine on October 24, 2022. The award was made possible through a joint stipulation between Sturz and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. According to the stipulation, Sturz sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") and experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six months.

Key Takeaways:

  • Christian Sturz filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on July 10, 2024, alleging a SIRVA injury related to his October 24, 2022, flu vaccination.
  • The parties reached a joint stipulation on May 22, 2025, agreeing to a decision awarding compensation.
  • The stipulation states that Sturz suffered a SIRVA Table injury and experienced residual effects for more than six months.
  • The award represents compensation for all items of damages under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.
  • The Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the award as a lump sum of $20,000 to be paid through ACH deposit to Sturz's counsel's IOLTA account.
  • The parties agree that this stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986.
  • The stipulation does not constitute an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused Sturz's alleged injury.

Statistics:

  • $20,000: The amount of compensation awarded to Christian Sturz.
  • October 24, 2022: The date Sturz received his flu vaccination.
  • July 10, 2024: The date Sturz filed his petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
  • May 22, 2025: The date the parties reached a joint stipulation.
  • 6 months: The duration of Sturz's residual effects from his SIRVA injury.

Sources:

  • United States Court of Federal Claims, OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS, No. 24-1042V CHRISTIAN STURZ, Petitioner, v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent.
  • National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755.
  • 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the "Vaccine Program").
  • 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) (Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act).
  • 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1) (Section 21(a)(1) of the Vaccine Act).