Sabrina Chappell-Strickland v. HHS - MMR, right shoulder injury (2021)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Sabrina Chappell-Strickland filed a petition for compensation on March 15, 2018, alleging that a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination she received on May 23, 2016, caused a right shoulder injury. The injury allegedly began within the timeframe specified by the Vaccine Injury Table and persisted for more than six months.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the petitioner sustained a Table injury or that the vaccine caused her alleged injury. Despite maintaining their respective positions, the parties reached a stipulation to settle the case.
Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation, awarding Sabrina Chappell-Strickland $57,500.00.
This award consisted of $55,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,500.00 for past unreimbursed expenses. The decision was entered on March 30, 2021.
Bridget C. McCullough of Muller Brazil, LLP, represented the petitioner, and Darryl R.
Wishard represented the respondent. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, or treatments received by the petitioner.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Sabrina Chappell-Strickland received an MMR vaccination on May 23, 2016. She alleged a right shoulder injury, claiming it began within the Vaccine Injury Table timeframe and persisted for over six months, or alternatively, that the vaccine caused the injury. The respondent denied a Table injury or vaccine causation. The parties stipulated to a settlement, with Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopting the stipulation. The award was $57,500.00 ($55,000.00 for pain and suffering, $2,500.00 for past unreimbursed expenses), entered March 30, 2021. Petitioner counsel was Bridget C. McCullough; respondent counsel was Darryl R. Wishard. The public decision does not detail the specific mechanism of injury or expert testimony.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00396