VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_12-vv-00847 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_12-vv-00847 Petitioner: Lisa Hendrix Filed: 2012-12-07 Decided: 2015-02-03 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2012-09-24 Condition: Parsonage-Turner syndrome (also known as brachial neuritis) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 10000 AI-assisted case summary: Lisa Hendrix filed a petition on December 7, 2012, alleging that an influenza (flu) vaccination she received on September 24, 2012, caused her to develop Parsonage-Turner syndrome, also known as brachial neuritis. Petitioner further alleged that she suffered residual effects of this injury for more than six months. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's brachial neuritis or any other injury, and denied that her disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. The parties, however, filed a joint stipulation on January 6, 2015, to settle the case. Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Petitioner received a lump sum of $10,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner represented herself pro se throughout the proceedings, and no attorneys' fees were awarded. The decision was issued on February 3, 2015. Theory of causation field: Petitioner Lisa Hendrix alleged that an influenza vaccine administered on September 24, 2012, caused her to develop brachial neuritis (Parsonage-Turner syndrome) and that she suffered residual effects for more than six months. Respondent denied causation and sequelae. The parties entered into a joint stipulation on January 6, 2015, agreeing to settle the case. Special Master Hamilton-Fieldman adopted the stipulation, awarding Petitioner a lump sum of $10,000.00 for all damages under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner was pro se. The decision was issued on February 3, 2015. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_12-vv-00847-0 Date issued/filed: 2015-02-03 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 1/7/2015) regarding 27 DECISION of Special Master. Signed by Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman. (mb) Copy to parties. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000884477--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 2279 FFiilleedd 0012//0073//1155 PPaaggee 11 ooff 77 ORIGINAL ]n tbe Wniteb Qfourt of jfe beral Qflaims ~tates Fl LED OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 12-847V Filed: January 7, 2015 JAN - 7 2015 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * UNPUBLISHED U.S. C O O S U M R T OF LISA HENDRIX, * FEDERAL ClAIMS * Special Master Hamilton-Fieldman Petitioner, * * Joint Stipulation on Damages; v. * Influenza ("Flu") Vaccine; * Brachial Neuritis. SECRETARY OF HEALTH * AND HUMAN SERVICES, * * Respondent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Lisa Hendrix, Pro Se. Michael Milmoe, United States Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., for Respondent. DECISION1 On December 7, 2012, Lisa Hendrix ("Petitioner") filed a petition pursuant to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.2 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (2006). Petitioner alleged that she suffered from Parsonage-Turner syndrome (also known as brachial neuritis) as a result of an influenza ("flu") vaccine administered to her on September 24, 2012. On January 6, 2015, the parties filed a stipulation in which they state that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. Respondent denies that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's brachial neuritis, or any other injury, and further denies that Petitioner's disabilities 1 Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for the undersigned's action in this case, the undersigned intends to post this ruling on the website of the United States Court of Federal Claims, in accordance with the E-Govemment Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, § 205, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2006)). As provided by Vaccine Rule 18(b) , each party has 14 days within which to request redaction "of any information furnished by that party: (1) that is a trade secret or commercial or financial in substance and is privileged or confidential; or (2) that includes medical files or similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy." Vaccine Rule 18(b) . 2 The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is set forth in Part 2 of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755, codified as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (2006) (Vaccine Act or the Act). All citations in this decision to individual sections of the Vaccine Act are to 42 U.S.C.A. § 300aa. CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000884477--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 2279 FFiilleedd 0012//0073//1155 PPaaggee 22 ooff 77 are sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation, attached hereto as Appendix A. The undersigned finds the stipulation reasonable and adopts it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. The parties stipulate that Petitioner shall receive the following compensation: A lump sum of $10,000.00, 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). Stipulation~ 8. The undersigned approves the requested amount for Petitioner's compensation. Accordingly, an award should be made consistent with the stipulation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the clerk of (4,)i/j{ the court SHALL ENTER JUDGMENT in accordance with the terms of the parties' stipulat:::S SO ORDERED. Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 1 l(a), entry of judgment is expedited by the parties' joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000884477--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 2279 FFiilleedd 0012//0073//1155 PPaaggee 33 ooff 77 nt 26 Filed 01/06/15 Page 1 of 5 case 1:12-w-00847-UNJ Docume ,. ,. ORIGINAL JN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS LISA HENDRIX, ) ) Petitioner, ) No.12-847V ) Special Master Hamilton Fieldman v. ) ) SECRETARY OF HEALTH ) AND HUMAN SERVICES, ) ) FILED Respondent. ) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~.> JAN - 6 20f5 STIPULATION U.S. COURT OF The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: FEDERAL CLAIMS 1. Lisa Hendrix, pro se petitioner, filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injwy 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 ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42C.F.R.§100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on September 24, 2012. 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered brachia! neuritis which was caused-in-fact by the flu v~cine. Petitioner further alleges that she suffered the residual effects of this injury 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 condition. 1 CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000884477--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 2279 FFiilleedd 0012//0073//1155 PPaaggee 44 ooff 77 case 1:12-w-00847-UNJ Document 26 Filed 01/06/15 Page 2 of 5 6. Respondent denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged b.raohial neuritis, or any other injury, and further denies that petitioner's current disabilities are sequelae of a vaccine- related injury. 7. Maintainlng 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 descn'bed in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofj udgment 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. § 3.00aa-2 l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment A lump sum of$ l 0,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for aU damages 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 bas filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(l), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable costs incutTed in proceeding upon this petition. 10, Petitioner represents that she has identified to respondent all known sources of payment for items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), including 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 entities that provide health services 011 a prepaid basis. 2 CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000884477--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 2279 FFiilleedd 0012//0073//1155 PPaaggee 55 ooff 77 case 1:12-w-00847-UNJ Document 26 Filed 01/06/15 Page 3 of 5 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8, and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 ofthls Stipulation, will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 12. The parties further agree and stipulate that, except for any award of litigation costs, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitionor as contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C, § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of42 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, t:xecutors, administrators, successors, and 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 demanqs of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the United States 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 flu vaccine administered on September 24, 2012 as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine cothpensation filed on or about December?, 2012, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 12-847V. 14. Ifp etitioner 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 tho special master fails to issue a decision in complete confonnity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the United States Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in 3 CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000884477--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 2279 FFiilleedd 0012//0073//1155 PPaaggee 66 ooff 77 ent 26 Filed 01/06/15 Page 4 of 5 Docum case 1:12-w-00847-UNJ conformity with a decision that is in complete confonnity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties' settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement ofliability 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 do any.. act or thing other than is herein expressly stated ' and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that tho 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 itelllS 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 flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged brachial neuritis, or any other injury, or that her current disabilities are sequelae of her alleged vaccine- related injuries. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STlPULATION 4 CCaassee 11::1122--vvvv--0000884477--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 2279 FFiilleedd 0012//0073//1155 PPaaggee 77 ooff 77 . - case 1:12-w-00847-UNJ Document 26 Filed 01/06/15 Page 5 of 5 Respectfully submitted, P:ETITIONER: AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: ~~j~· ~.'L'----. LISA HENDRIX . VlN~I 79 Rivorie Circle Deputy Director White Sulpher Springs, WV 24986 Torts Branch (304) 283-1629 Civit Division U.S. Department of Justice P. 0. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR RESPONDENT: Director Senior Trial Counsel Division of hijury Compensation Programs (DICP) Torts Branch Healthcare Systems Bureau Civil Division U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U. S. Department of Justice 5600 Fishers Lane P. 0. Box 146 Parklawn Building, Stop 11 C-26 Benjamin Franklin Station Rockville, MD 20857 Washington, DC 20044-0146 Tel: (202) 616-4125 rt~ ~f Y-{)I.) DATE: , I I 5