Allergic reaction after flu shot results in lawsuit

A woman is suing a pharmacist and store over allegations she had an allergic reaction after receiving a flu shot.

Janet Spatafora filed a lawsuit Oct. 15 in the Cook County Circuit Court against Walgreen Co. and Elaine Hengstler, citing negligence, breach of implied warranty and breach of expressed warranty.

According to the complaint, Hengstler is employed by Walgreens as a pharmacist and gave Spatafora a flue shot on Oct. 14, 2011.

Spatafora claims she disclosed the fact she is allergic to latex prior to receiving the shot, but was exposed to latex during the administration of the shot. She alleges she had a severe allergic reaction due to the pharmicist's negligence while administering the flu shot, and now seeks to hold the defendants liable for her pain and suffering.

She is seeking damages in excess of $30,000. She is being represented in the case by attorney David R. Centracchio of Gordon & Centracchio LLC.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 2013L011370.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.