Angela DiSanto v. HHS - HPV, encephalitis (2016)

Angela DiSanto filed a petition on July 14, 2011, alleging that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations she received on July 23, 2008 and October 17, 2008 caused her to develop encephalitis, with residual effects lasting more than six months. On September 28, 2015, the parties filed a joint stipulation.

Respondent denied that the HPV vaccinations caused petitioner's encephalitis or any other injury. Nonetheless, the parties agreed to resolve the case through stipulation, and Special Master Gowen found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Petitioner received a lump sum of $135,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). On January 8, 2016, the parties filed a stipulation for attorneys' fees and costs.

Special Master Gowen awarded $96,000.00, payable jointly to petitioner and her counsel, Robert J. Krakow.

Petitioner had not personally incurred any reimbursable costs in pursuing her claim.