Stacie Rublein v. HHS - Tdap, finger stiffness, aching fingers, fatigue, itching, serum sickness, and cubital tunnel syndrome (2015)

On April 7, 2014, Stacie Rublein filed a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered finger stiffness, aching fingers, fatigue, itching, serum sickness, and cubital tunnel syndrome as a result of receiving the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused her conditions.

However, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation filed on August 24, 2015. Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, awarding Petitioner a lump sum of $20,000.00 for all damages. This amount represents compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

Subsequently, on September 11, 2015, the parties filed another stipulation regarding attorney's fees and costs. They agreed to an award of $12,645.28, payable jointly to Petitioner and her counsel, Gary A.

Krochmal. Special Master Corcoran approved this award as reasonable and directed judgment to be entered.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation. Petitioner was represented by Gary Krochmal of the Law Offices of Gary A.

Krochmal, PLLC, and Respondent was represented by Althea Davis of the U.S. Department of Justice.