Karen Shock v. HHS - MMR, hearing loss and tinnitus (2016)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Karen Shock filed a petition for vaccine compensation on November 5, 2015, alleging that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which she received on June 25, 2014, caused her to develop hearing loss and tinnitus, with residual effects lasting more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the MMR vaccine caused the alleged injuries.
The parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case. Special Master Christian J.
Moran adopted the stipulation as the decision of the Court. As part of the stipulation, the Secretary agreed to issue a lump sum payment of $25,000.00 to Karen Shock as compensation for all damages.
The decision directed the clerk to enter judgment accordingly. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
Petitioner was represented by Diana L. Stadelnikas of Maglio Christopher and Toale, PA, and respondent was represented by Sarah C.
Duncan of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Karen Shock received an MMR vaccination on June 25, 2014, and allegedly developed hearing loss and tinnitus with residual effects for more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties stipulated to a settlement, and Special Master Christian J. Moran adopted the stipulation. The case was compensated under the "Table" theory, as the MMR vaccine is listed in the Vaccine Injury Table. The settlement included a lump sum payment of $25,000.00. Petitioner was represented by Diana L. Stadelnikas, and respondent was represented by Sarah C. Duncan. The public decision does not detail the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or clinical findings.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-01328