Melissa Franklin v. HHS - MMR, transverse myelitis (2020)

Melissa Franklin filed a petition on February 8, 2016, alleging that she suffered from transverse myelitis (TM) as a result of receiving the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) and Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccinations on April 18, 2014. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccines caused her TM.

However, the parties reached a stipulation recommending an award of compensation. The court adopted the stipulation, awarding Melissa Franklin a total of $589,137.87.

This amount included $400,000.00 for first-year life care expenses, combined lost earnings, pain and suffering, and past reimbursable expenses. Additionally, $189,137.87 was awarded to reimburse a State of California Medicaid lien.

The award also included an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for future expenses. The decision was based on this stipulation, and judgment was entered accordingly.