Meghan Hepler v. HHS - Hepatitis B, bilateral extremity numbness, balance problems, small fiber neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and essential tremors (2016)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Meghan Hepler filed a petition on January 24, 2014, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that on June 12, 2012, she received the Hepatitis B vaccine and subsequently suffered neurological injuries, including bilateral extremity numbness, balance problems, small fiber neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and essential tremors.
Ms. Hepler also alleged that these injuries had residual effects lasting more than six months.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the Hepatitis B vaccine caused Ms. Hepler's alleged neurological injuries or that her current disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury.
Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation filed on May 18, 2016. Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as the decision in the case. The stipulation awarded Ms.
Hepler a lump sum of $102,501.47, payable by check to Petitioner, as compensation for all damages available under Section 15(a) of the Act. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical examinations, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the specific mechanism of causation.
The attorneys involved were Carol L. Gallagher for the Petitioner and Lisa A.
Watts for the Respondent.