Mary Van Kooten v. HHS - Tdap, transverse myelitis (2016)

Mary Van Kooten filed a petition on June 20, 2016, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that on May 17, 2013, she received a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine and subsequently developed transverse myelitis (TM).

Ms. Van Kooten further alleged that she experienced residual effects from this injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the Tdap vaccine caused Ms. Van Kooten's alleged TM or any other injury.

Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation filed on June 16, 2016. The stipulation proposed an award of compensation to Ms.

Van Kooten. The Special Master reviewed the file and found the stipulation to be reasonable, adopting it as the decision in the case.

The stipulation awarded Ms. Van Kooten a lump sum of $220,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under the Act.

The Special Master approved this award and directed the clerk of the court to enter judgment.