Vaccine Injury Compensation Awarded to James Socha for Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration

Strategic Insights -

James Socha, a resident of Wisconsin, was awarded compensation for a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) following receipt of an influenza vaccine on November 16, 2022. In a decision issued on June 30, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran of the United States Court of Federal Claims ruled that Socha was entitled to compensation for the SIRVA. The award includes a lump sum payment of $105,000 for pain and suffering and $9,381.77 to satisfy a State of Wisconsin Medicaid lien.

Key Takeaways:

  • James Socha, a Wisconsin resident, suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on November 16, 2022.
  • The United States Court of Federal Claims awarded Socha compensation for the SIRVA, a defined Table injury.
  • The award includes a lump sum payment of $105,000 for pain and suffering, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Socha's counsel's IOLTA account.
  • Socha also received a lump sum payment of $9,381.77 to satisfy a State of Wisconsin Medicaid lien, jointly payable to Socha and Optum.
  • The award was recommended by Respondent's Proffer of Damages, filed on June 30, 2025, and accepted by the Chief Special Master.
  • Socha received a total award of $114,381.77.
  • The award was paid through an ACH deposit to Socha's counsel's IOLTA account and mailed to Optum for satisfaction of the Medicaid lien.
  • The award was part of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, established under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. § 300aa-1 et seq.).

Sources:

  • National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755.
  • Vaccine Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-1 et seq.
  • Ruling on Entitlement, Case No. 24-416V, ECF No. 17-18.
  • Respondent's Proffer of Damages, Case No. 24-416V, ECF No. 38.
  • Decision of the Chief Special Master, Case No. 24-416V, ECF No. 38.