Amerlindia Sanchez Vega v. HHS - Hepatitis B, pachymeningitis (2015)

Amerlindia Sanchez Vega filed a petition on March 9, 2012, alleging that a Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccination she received on March 9, 2011 caused her to develop pachymeningitis, with symptoms lasting more than six months. Respondent denied that the Hep B vaccine caused or significantly aggravated petitioner's alleged injury or any other injury.

Nonetheless, both parties agreed in a joint stipulation filed April 22, 2015 to settle the case. Special Master Moran found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Petitioner received a lump sum of $15,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). On September 14, 2015, the parties filed a stipulation for attorneys' fees and costs.

After petitioner's initial application was negotiated and reduced following respondent's objections, Special Master Moran awarded $34,000.00, payable jointly to petitioner and her counsel, the Law Offices of Damaris Delgado-Vega. Petitioner had not personally incurred any out-of-pocket litigation expenses.