Dominique Sartain v. HHS - Tdap, Wegener’s granulomatosis (2019)

Dominique Sartain filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she developed Wegener’s granulomatosis after receiving a tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine on January 11, 2013. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the immunization caused her injury.

Despite the denial, the parties reached a settlement agreement. The settlement terms included a lump sum payment of $632,505.72, intended to compensate for first year of life care expenses, past and future lost earnings, past and future pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses.

Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract was to be paid to a life insurance company. This award represents compensation for all damages available under the program.

The Special Master adopted the joint stipulation and directed that judgment be entered accordingly. The decision was filed on December 2, 2019, following the petition filed on January 8, 2016.