Mania Harmitt v. HHS - Influenza, bullous dermatitis (2016)

Mania Harmitt filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 18, 2009, caused her to develop bullous dermatitis, a skin condition, and that she suffered residual effects for more than six months. The Secretary of Health and Human Services denied that the vaccine caused the alleged injury.

The parties subsequently reached a stipulation to resolve the case. On October 21, 2015, Special Master Laura D.

Millman issued a decision awarding interim attorneys' fees and costs totaling $26,424.00, payable to petitioner Mania Harmitt and her counsel, Britcher Leone & Roth LLC, based on a stipulation of fact. On June 27, 2016, Special Master Millman issued a decision awarding damages based on a stipulation of the parties.

The total award amounted to $464,985.20. This included a lump sum of $443,250.80 for first-year life care expenses ($13,250.80) and combined lost earnings, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses ($430,000.00), payable to petitioner.

Additionally, a lump sum of $21,734.40 was awarded to reimburse a lien for services rendered on behalf of petitioner, payable jointly to petitioner and the Treasurer, State of New Jersey Health Management Systems, Inc. The award also included an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract as described in the stipulation.

Petitioner was represented by Mindy M. Roth and later by Clifford J.

Shoemaker, and respondent was represented by Jennifer L. Reynaud.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.