Heather Moreau v. HHS - Varicella, Disseminated Varicella Zoster Virus (“VZV”) Infection; multi-organ failure (2017)

Heather Moreau, as Executor of the Estate of Douglas C. Riemer, filed a petition alleging that Mr.

Riemer's death on March 5, 2015, was caused by the Varicella vaccine he received on February 4, 2015. Mr.

Riemer was immunocompromised due to severe chronic kidney disease. The respondent conceded that the medical records demonstrated Mr.

Riemer's death resulted from multi-organ failure most likely caused by disseminated Varicella infection triggered by the vaccination. The respondent noted that the onset of Mr.

Riemer's rapid decline and death from disseminated VZV infection within three weeks of vaccination was a medically appropriate timeframe to infer causation. The respondent concluded that all statutory and jurisdictional requirements were met and entitlement to compensation was appropriate.

The court found petitioner entitled to compensation. Subsequently, the parties agreed to a settlement amount.

The court awarded a lump sum payment of $450,000.00 to Heather Moreau, as Legal Representative of the Estate of Douglas C. Riemer, representing compensation for all damages.