VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_12-vv-00511 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_12-vv-00511 Petitioner: Ann Marie Rivera Filed: 2012-08-14 Decided: 2014-11-20 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2009-09-29 Condition: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 190000 AI-assisted case summary: Ann Marie Rivera filed a petition on August 14, 2012, alleging that an influenza vaccination she received on November 6, 2010, a vaccine contained in the Vaccine Injury Table, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury. Nonetheless, both parties agreed in a joint stipulation filed April 8, 2014 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 $190,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Special Master Moran also awarded $12,136.22 in attorneys' fees and costs, payable jointly to petitioner and her counsel, Michael Andrew London of Douglas & London, P.C. Petitioner had not incurred any out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Theory of causation field: Flu Nov 6, 2010 → GBS (Table vaccine). (Note: attached stipulation states Sep 29, 2009 — apparent copy-paste error; decision body and fees decision both state Nov 6, 2010.) Joint stipulation Apr 8, 2014; respondent denied causation; SM Moran. $190,000. Fees $12,136.22 (London, Douglas & London, New York NY). Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_12-vv-00511-0 Date issued/filed: 2014-06-09 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 04/10/2014) regarding 45 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Special Master Christian J. Moran. (tpj) Copy to parties. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:12-vv-00511-UNJ Document 49 Filed 06/09/14 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ANN MARIE RIVERA, * * No. 12-511V Petitioner, * Special Master Christian J. * Moran * v. * Filed: April 10, 2014 * SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Stipulation; Influenza (“flu") AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Vaccine, Guillain-Barré * Syndrome (“GBS”). Respondent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Michael Andrew London, Douglas & London, P.C., New York, NY for Petitioner; Ann Donohue Martin, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., for Respondent. UNPUBLISHED DECISION1 On April 8, 2014, the parties filed a joint stipulation concerning the petition for compensation filed by Ann Marie Rivera on August 14, 2012. In her petition, petitioner alleged that the influenza vaccine, which is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. §100.3(a), and which she received on November 6, 2010, caused her to suffer Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”). Petitioner further alleges that she suffered the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. 1 The E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (Dec. 17, 2002), requires that the Court post this decision on its website. Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 18(b), the parties have 14 days to file a motion proposing redaction of medical information or other information described in 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(d)(4). Any redactions ordered by the special master will appear in the document posted on the website. Case 1:12-vv-00511-UNJ Document 49 Filed 06/09/14 Page 2 of 7 Respondent denies that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner to suffer GBS or any other injury. Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation, attached hereto as Appendix A. The undersigned finds said stipulation reasonable and adopts it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Damages awarded in that stipulation include: A lump sum of $190,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC, Appendix B, the clerk is directed to enter judgment in case 12-511V according to this decision and the attached stipulation.2 Any questions may be directed to my law clerk, Marc Langston, at (202) 357-6392. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Christian J. Moran Christian J. Moran Special Master 2 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties can expedite entry of judgment by each party filing a notice renouncing the right to seek review by a United States Court of Federal Claims judge. 2 CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000551111--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 4449 FFiilleedd 0046//0089//1144 PPaaggee 13 ooff 57 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ____________________________________ ) ANN MARIE RIVERA, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 12-511V v. ) Special Master Moran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ) HUMAN SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) ____________________________________) STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Petitioner, Ann Marie Rivera, filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the “Vaccine Program”). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner’s receipt of the influenza vaccine, which is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received an influenza immunization on September 29, 2009. 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (“GBS”) as a result of the influenza vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that she experienced residual effects of this condition for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her injuries. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner’s influenza vaccine caused GBS or any other injury. CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000551111--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 4449 FFiilleedd 0046//0089//1144 PPaaggee 24 ooff 57 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment reflecting a decision consistent with the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $190,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this petition. 10. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 2 CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000551111--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 4449 FFiilleedd 0046//0089//1144 PPaaggee 35 ooff 57 12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attorneys’ fees and litigation costs, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity, and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the influenza vaccination administered on September 29, 2009, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about August 14, 2012, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 12-511V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties’ settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 3 CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000551111--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 4449 FFiilleedd 0046//0089//1144 PPaaggee 46 ooff 57 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties’ respective positions as to liability and/or amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner to develop GBS or any other injury. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / 4 CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000551111--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 4449 FFiilleedd 0046//0089//1144 PPaaggee 57 ooff 57 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_12-vv-00511-1 Date issued/filed: 2014-11-20 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 10/27/2014) regarding 52 DECISION Fees Stipulation. Signed by Special Master Christian J. Moran. (tpj) Copy to parties. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:12-vv-00511-UNJ Document 55 Filed 11/20/14 Page 1 of 2 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ANN MARIE RIVERA, * * No. 12-511V Petitioner, * Special Master Christian J. Moran * v. * Filed: October 27, 2014 * SECRETARY OF HEALTH * AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Attorneys’ fees and costs; award * in the amount to which Respondent. * respondent does not object. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Michael Andrew London, Douglas & London, P.C. New York, NY, for Petitioner; Ann Donohue Martin, U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON FEES AND COSTS1 On October 24, 2014, petitioner filed a stipulation of fact concerning final attorneys’ fees and costs in the above-captioned matter. Previously, petitioner informally submitted a draft application to respondent for review requesting $12,136.22 for attorneys’ fees and costs. Respondent found petitioner’s application to be reasonable. The Court awards this amount. On August 14, 2012, Ann Marie Rivera filed a petition for compensation alleging that the influenza vaccine, which she received on November 6, 2010, respectively, caused her to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”). Petitioner received compensation based upon the parties’ stipulation. Decision, issued Apr. 10, 2014. Because petitioner received compensation, she is entitled to an award of attorneys’ fees and costs. 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(e). 1 The E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (Dec. 17, 2002), requires that the Court post this decision on its website. Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 18(b), the parties have 14 days to file a motion proposing redaction of medical information or other information described in 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(d)(4). Any redactions ordered by the special master will appear in the document posted on the website. Case 1:12-vv-00511-UNJ Document 55 Filed 11/20/14 Page 2 of 2 Petitioner seeks a total of $12,136.22 in attorneys’ fees and costs for her counsel. Additionally, in compliance with General Order No. 9, petitioner states that she did not incur any in out-of-pocket litigation expenses while pursuing this claim. Respondent has no objection to the amount requested for attorneys’ fees and costs. After reviewing the request, the Court awards the following: A lump sum of $12,136.22 in the form of a check made payable to petitioner and petitioner’s attorney, Michael Andrew London, for attorneys’ fees and other litigation costs available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(e). The Court thanks the parties for their cooperative efforts in resolving this matter. The Clerk shall enter judgment accordingly. Any questions may be directed to my law clerk, Christina Gervasi, at (202) 357-6521. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Christian J. Moran Christian J. Moran Special Master