B.A.H. v. HHS - HPV, syncope resulting in mandibular fractures, lacerations, and tooth fractures (2016)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Jodi K. Hupe, mother and next friend of B.A.H., a minor, filed a petition for compensation on August 29, 2014, alleging that a June 1, 2011, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination caused B.A.H. to experience a syncopal episode resulting in mandibular fractures, lacerations, and tooth fractures.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, concluded that B.A.H.'s alleged injury was consistent with syncope, caused-in-fact by the vaccination, and resulted in the described injuries. The Special Master, Christian J.
Moran, found that the petitioner had established entitlement to compensation for B.A.H.'s syncopal episode and its related sequelae, including jaw and mouth injuries. A status conference was scheduled to discuss the quantification of damages.
Subsequently, on January 6, 2016, the parties filed a stipulation of fact concerning final attorneys' fees and costs. Petitioner's counsel, Theodore G.
Pashos, sought $25,000.00 for attorneys' fees and costs, an amount to which the respondent did not object. The Special Master awarded this amount.
The total compensation awarded in this matter was $25,000.00.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Jodi K. Hupe alleged that a June 1, 2011, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination administered to minor B.A.H. caused a syncopal episode resulting in mandibular fractures, lacerations, and tooth fractures. The respondent, Secretary of Health and Human Services, concluded that B.A.H.'s alleged injury was consistent with syncope, caused-in-fact by the vaccination, and resulted in the described injuries. Special Master Christian J. Moran found entitlement to compensation for the syncopal episode and related jaw and mouth injuries. The case proceeded to a stipulation of fact concerning attorneys' fees and costs. Petitioner sought $25,000.00 for attorneys' fees and costs, which respondent did not object to. Special Master Moran awarded $25,000.00. The theory of causation was considered off-Table. Attorneys for petitioner were Theodore G. Pashos and his firm. Attorney for respondent was Amy Kokot. The decision on entitlement was issued on September 24, 2014, and the decision on fees and costs was issued on February 19, 2016.