Rachel Zale v. HHS - Meningococcal, anterior uveitis (2023)

Rachel Zale filed a petition on May 15, 2020, alleging that she suffered anterior uveitis as a result of a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) she received on June 12, 2018. The MCV is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused Petitioner's anterior uveitis and any alleged residual effects or other injury. Despite maintaining their respective positions, the parties agreed to settle the issues between them.

On April 6, 2023, they filed a stipulation recommending an award of compensation to Petitioner. Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $125,000.00, payable to Rachel Zale, as compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The decision was based on this stipulation, avoiding a contested hearing on causation.

Petitioner was represented by Diana Lynn Stadelnikas of Maglio Christopher & Toale, P.A., and the respondent was represented by Voris Edward Johnson of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The public decision does not describe the onset, specific symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the medical expert witnesses involved in this case.