SIRVA and Shoulder Bursitis from a Vaccine Shot

IMPORTANT: This information does NOT apply to injuries from the COVID-19 vaccine.

Shoulder Bursitis from a Vaccine: Causes, Symptoms, and Compensation

Shoulder bursitis is a painful condition that can develop if a vaccine is injected incorrectly. It is a type of Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) and occurs when the bursae in the shoulder become irritated or inflamed.

The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between the bones, muscles, and tendons in your shoulder. When they become swollen, this can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving your arm.

If you developed shoulder bursitis after receiving a vaccine, here’s what you need to know.

How Can a Vaccine Cause Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis can happen when a vaccine is injected too high on the shoulder, too deep, or at the wrong angle. Instead of going into the deltoid muscle, the needle may puncture or irritate the bursae, leading to inflammation and fluid buildup.

In some cases, your body may also have an immune reaction to the vaccine, which can trigger swelling and pain in the shoulder.

Can You Get Compensation for Shoulder Bursitis After a Vaccine?

Yes. If a vaccine caused your shoulder bursitis, you may be able to file a claim through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This federal program provides financial compensation for people injured by vaccines.

The VICP can help cover:

  • Medical bills for treatment and therapy
  • Lost wages if you were unable to work
  • Pain and suffering caused by your injury

Filing a VICP claim can be complex, but an experienced vaccine injury lawyer can help guide you through the process.

Criteria for SIRVA Compensation Claim in the VICP

You must meet very specific criteria to be considered for a SIRVA claim under the Vaccine Injury Compensation program.

  • Timing: Symptoms generally need to appear within 48 hours of getting the vaccine.
  • Location: The pain and/or injury must be localized to the same shoulder as the vaccine was given.
  • Duration: The injury must last for more than six months or required surgery within that time frame.
  • Documentation: You’ll need medical records to prove the onset and duration of the symptoms are related to SIRVA.

Meeting these onset criteria is important for your claim to be considered valid under the VICP.

Successful Vaccine Shoulder Injury Case Results

Our firm has helped many clients receive compensation for SIRVA-related injuries, including shoulder bursitis. If you believe a vaccine caused your shoulder bursitis, contact us for a free case evaluation today.

Settlement AmountsIllness or SymptomsStateVaccine NameLink to Court DecisionDate
$443,284 SIRVAIllinoisInfluenza VaccineCase 13-795V1/28/16
$285,300 SIRVAColoradoFluCase 16-896V8/2/19
$246,973 SIRVA VirginiaTetanus DiphtheriaCase 15-729V12/15/15
$210,000SIRVANew HampshireFluCase 20-1807V1/10/23
$203,785 SIRVAKentuckyInfluenza VaccineCase 19-0456V12/16/20

Why mctlaw is the right law firm for your SIRVA shoulder tendonitis

  • Decades of Successful Results
  • Unmatched Legal and Medical Resources
    • Our attorneys collaborate with top medical experts, including neurologists and immunologists, to build the strongest case possible. mctlaw’s deep legal and scientific knowledge gives clients a powerful advantage in securing compensation.
  • Zero Cost to You
    • You never pay us and you keep 100% of any money awarded. The federal government covers all attorney fees through the VICP, so there’s no financial risk in hiring us.
  • Fighting to Maximize Your Award
    • Vaccine cases are defended by government attorneys from the Department of Justice. We have the experience and legal strategy to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
  • Proven Success in Complex Cases

Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis

Common symptoms of shoulder bursitis include:

  • Pain the shoulder
  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Tenderness to light touch
  • Discoloration or redness of the skin
  • Feeling of heat or warmth near your shoulder

A doctor can diagnose shoulder bursitis using physical exams, X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to check for inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common vaccines that cause shoulder bursitis? 

The most common vaccines that we see causing SIRVA or shoulder bursitis are the flu shot, tetanus shot, and pneumonia vaccine. 

How do I start a SIRVA claim for shoulder bursitis? 

If you think you have a shoulder injury from getting a vaccination, you should seek medical treatment to document your injury. You should also contact mctlaw for a free consultation, and begin to gather any medical records you have available. 

What is a typical settlement amount for a shoulder bursitis SIRVA claim?

It varies, but compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Read more about our case settlement results

How much will I need to pay in attorney fees? 

Nothing. The VICP covers all attorney fees and costs. You pay nothing to hire an mctlaw vaccine injury attorney. Our attorneys petition the court at the end of your case for payment from the program. 

Court of Federal Claims Vaccine Court

What is the VICP? 

Find out about this four billion dollar fund meant to compensate people for vaccine injuries. 

vial of vaccine and syringe going into it

What vaccines are covered by the VICP? 

Learn more about which vaccines are included in the program. NOTE: The COVID vaccine is NOT covered.

Content Reviewed by Danielle Strait – Vaccine Injury Lawyer

Danielle Strait

Danielle Strait joined mctlaw as an attorney in 2012 and represents clients across the country in vaccine injury compensation claims. Although based in mctlaw’s Seattle office, Ms. Strait previously worked in the Firm’s Washington, DC location. Danielle spent three years serving as a federal judicial law clerk before joining mctlaw.

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