April Huffman v. HHS - Varicella, Herpes Zoster (2015)

On November 5, 2014, April Huffman, as mother and natural guardian of B.C., filed a petition seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Petitioner alleged that B.C. suffered from recurrent episodes of Herpes Zoster (shingles) as a result of receiving the varicella vaccine on November 30, 2010, and that these residual effects lasted for more than six months.

The respondent denied that the vaccine caused the shingles or any other injury. However, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation filed on October 31, 2014.

Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as the court's decision.

The stipulation awarded $12,500.00 to purchase an annuity contract, representing compensation for all damages available under the Act. Subsequently, on March 30, 2015, the parties filed another stipulation regarding attorney's fees and costs, requesting $30,500.00.

Special Master Corcoran approved this amount as reasonable. The final decision, dated July 28, 2015, awarded the attorney's fees and costs, directing the clerk to enter judgment in accordance with the stipulation.

Petitioner was represented by Jeffrey S. Pop of Jeffrey S.

Pop & Associates, and respondent was represented by Debra Begley of the U.S. Department of Justice.