Melinda Porter v. HHS - Influenza, scarring from ulcerations to the epidermis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and dermatitis of the right arm (2018)

On October 23, 2017, Melinda Porter filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Petitioner alleged that on October 13, 2015, she received a Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccine in her left arm, and a Meningococcal conjugate (Menactra) and Pneumococcal conjugate 13 (Prevnar) vaccine in her right arm.

Petitioner claimed that these vaccinations resulted in scarring from ulcerations to the epidermis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and dermatitis of her right arm, with symptoms persisting for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccines caused or significantly aggravated petitioner's alleged injuries or any other injury, and denied that her current disabilities were the result of a vaccine-related injury.

Despite these opposing positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation for settlement on September 26, 2018. The Chief Special Master, Nora Beth Dorsey, found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Pursuant to the stipulation, Melinda Porter was awarded a lump sum of $100,774.38, payable to petitioner, as compensation for all damages. The decision was issued on October 29, 2018.

Petitioner was represented by Diana Lynn Stadelnikas of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, and respondent was represented by Darryl R. Wishard of the U.S.

Department of Justice.