VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01542 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01542 Petitioner: Annie Brown Filed: 2018-10-04 Decided: 2020-06-12 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2017-10-27 Condition: right-sided shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 45539 AI-assisted case summary: Annie Brown filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a right-sided shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine received on or about October 27, 2017. She claimed the residual effects of this injury lasted for more than six months. Respondent denied that petitioner sustained a Table SIRVA within the specified timeframe and denied that the flu immunization caused or significantly aggravated her injury. Despite these denials, the parties reached a joint stipulation for settlement. The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as its decision, awarding Annie Brown a lump sum of $45,539.73. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The decision was issued on June 12, 2020, following the petition filed on October 4, 2018. The case was treated as a Table claim, and the award was for SIRVA, a condition listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. Theory of causation field: Table Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01542-0 Date issued/filed: 2020-06-12 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 05/12/2020) regarding 35 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:18-vv-01542-UNJ Document 40 Filed 06/12/20 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 18-1542V UNPUBLISHED ANNIE BROWN, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: May 12, 2020 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Special Processing Unit (SPU); Joint HUMAN SERVICES, Stipulation on Damages; Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder Injury Respondent. Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) Jimmy A. Zgheib, Zgheib Sayad, P.C., White Plains, NY, for Petitioner. Ryan Daniel Pyles, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On October 4, 2018, Annie Brown filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a right-sided shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine she received on or about October 27, 2017, in her right shoulder. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed May 12, 2020, at ¶¶ 4, 6. Petitioner further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. Petition at 5; Stipulation at ¶ 4. “Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a Table SIRVA within the timeframe set forth in the Table; and denies that the flu immunization caused or significantly aggravated petitioner’s shoulder injury and/or any other injury. ” Stipulation at ¶ 6. Nevertheless, on May 12, 2020, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation 1 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E- Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2012). Case 1:18-vv-01542-UNJ Document 40 Filed 06/12/20 Page 2 of 7 reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following compensation: A lump sum of $45,539.73, in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under § 15(a). Id. I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 Case 1:18-vv-01542-UNJ Document 40 Filed 06/12/20 Page 3 of 7 I ;,, THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ANNIE BROWN, Petitioner, V. No. 18-1542V Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEAL TH AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: I. Annie Brown ("'petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the "Vaccine Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on or about October 27, 2017, in her right deltoid. 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that the flu vaccine caused her to develop a right-sided shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("'SIRVA.,) and that she experienced residual effects of this injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages as a result of her condition. Case 1:18-vv-01542-UNJ Document 40 Filed 06/12/20 Page 4 of 7 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a Table SIRVA within the timeframe set forth in the Table; and denies that the flu immunization caused or significantly aggravated petitioner's alleged shoulder injury and/or any other injury. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions. the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment reflecting a decision consistent with the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of$45,539.73 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents all compensation for damages that vvould be available under 42 U.S.C. ~ 300aa-l 5(a) for injuries allegedly related ti) petitioner· s receipt of the flu vaccine. 9. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitionl;!r has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(l), and an application, the pm1ies will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this petition. 10. Petitioner and her attorney represent that they have identified to respondent all known sources of payment for items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(g), including State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 2 Case 1:18-vv-01542-UNJ Document 40 Filed 06/12/20 Page 5 of 7 1 1. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 12. The parties and their attorneys fm1her agree and stipulate that except for any award for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(a) and (d). and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity and on behalf of her heirs. executors, administrators, successors and/or assigns. does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release. acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements. judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown. suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on or about October 27, 2017, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about October 4, 2018, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. l 8-l 542V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment. this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 Case 1:18-vv-01542-UNJ Document 40 Filed 06/12/20 Page 6 of 7 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties· settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated and clearly agreed to. The parties fmther agree and understand that the award described in this Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or amount of damages, and further. that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury and/or any other injury. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION I I I I I I I I I I 4 Case 1:18-vv-01542-UNJ Document 40 Filed 06/12/20 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitte.d, EBROWN ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHOIUZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: / ~ LL_ _____ ~ N"E E. REEVES ZGHEIB SAVA , P.C. Deputy Director 75 South Broadway. 4th Floor Torts Branch Whit~ Plains, New York 10601 Civil Division (914) 729-11 10 U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORi~EYOFRECORDFOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: b~Jil= TAMARA OVERBY Acting Director, Division oflnjury Senior Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Healthcare Systems Bureau Civil Division U.S. Department of Health U.S. Department of Justice and Human Services P.O. Box 146 5600 Fishers Lane Benjamin Franklin Station Parklawn Building, Mail Stop 08Nl46B Washington, DC 20044-0146 Rockville, MD 20857 (202) 616-9847 It r 2 / 2o J_() Dated; f ( 5