Vaccine Compensation Awarded to Tracy Jefferies

Strategic Insights -

Tracy Jefferies, a petitioner from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, has been awarded compensation for a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. The vaccine was administered on August 1, 2019. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters, and after finding petitioner entitled to compensation for SIRVA, the parties agreed on a proffered award of $65,098.07. The award includes $65,000.00 in pain and suffering and $98.07 in out-of-pocket expenses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tracy Jefferies, petitioner, has been awarded compensation for a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by a Tdap vaccine administered on August 1, 2019.
  • The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters on January 12, 2021, and entitlement to compensation was found on January 24, 2023.
  • The parties agree on a proffered award of $65,098.07, consisting of $65,000.00 in pain and suffering and $98.07 in out-of-pocket expenses.
  • The Chief Special Master Corcoran has awarded the lump sum payment in the form of a check payable to petitioner, including evidence of guardianship not required in this case.
  • The parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief in case of petitioner's death prior to the entry of judgment.
  • The award represents all damages that would be available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.

Statistics:

  • $65,098.07: Total award in lump sum payment
  • $65,000.00: Pain and suffering awarded
  • $98.07: Out-of-pocket expenses awarded
  • 13 months: Time between vaccine administration and entitlement ruling
  • 2 years and 3 months: Time between vaccine administration and award decision

Sources:

  • United States Court of Federal Claims Opinion No. 21-0676V
  • UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS TRACY JEFFERIES, Petitioner, v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent
  • National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755