N.W. v. HHS - MMR, developmental delays, physical injuries, and development of autism (2019)

Alice Wachol filed this action on February 8, 2007, on behalf of her minor son, N.W., alleging that he suffered developmental delays, physical injuries, and developed autism as a result of DPT and MMR vaccines. The original Special Master dismissed the case on May 14, 2008, finding that N.W. showed symptoms of autism outside the statutory limitations period.

The case remained closed for nearly ten years until February 21, 2018, when the petitioner sought to reopen the matter to amend the caption and redact N.W.'s name from the decision, as he had reached the age of majority and she was concerned about potential future employment and educational impacts. The court granted the motion to amend the caption to use N.W.'s initials, but denied the request to redact the decision itself or seal the records due to the untimeliness of the request.

A subsequent decision on May 1, 2019, awarded attorney's fees of $1,050.00 for the work performed on the motion to amend and redact.