VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00642 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00642 Petitioner: Richard Iaconelli Filed: 2020-05-26 Decided: 2022-06-23 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2017-09-14 Condition: left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 77500 AI-assisted case summary: Richard Iaconelli filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on May 26, 2020. He alleged that he suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on September 14, 2017. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit. On February 14, 2022, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation. Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation on May 12, 2022, indicating Petitioner should be awarded a total of $77,500.00 for pain and suffering. Petitioner agreed with the proffered award. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a decision on June 23, 2022, awarding Petitioner a lump sum payment of $77,500.00 for pain and suffering. The decision states that the injury was a SIRVA Table injury. Petitioner was represented by Bridget Candace McCullough of Muller Brazil, LLP, and Respondent was represented by Matthew Murphy of the U.S. Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical examinations, diagnostic tests, or treatments. The specific mechanism of injury is not detailed in the public decision, other than it being a SIRVA Table injury. Theory of causation field: Petitioner Richard Iaconelli alleged a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) following an influenza vaccine administered on September 14, 2017. The case was determined to be a SIRVA Table injury. On February 14, 2022, Petitioner was found entitled to compensation. On May 12, 2022, Respondent filed a proffer recommending an award of $77,500.00 for pain and suffering, which Petitioner accepted. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a decision on June 23, 2022, awarding Petitioner a lump sum of $77,500.00. Petitioner was represented by Bridget Candace McCullough (Muller Brazil, LLP), and Respondent was represented by Matthew Murphy (U.S. Department of Justice). The public decision does not detail specific medical experts, clinical findings, or the precise mechanism of injury beyond it being a Table-recognized condition. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00642-1 Date issued/filed: 2022-06-23 Pages: 5 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 05/12/2022) regarding 39 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer, Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:20-vv-00642-UNJ Document 43 Filed 06/23/22 Page 1 of 5 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 20-0642V UNPUBLISHED RICHARD IACONELLI, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: May 12, 2022 v. Special Processing Unit (SPU); SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Damages Decision Based on Proffer; HUMAN SERVICES, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Respondent. Administration (SIRVA) Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Matthew Murphy, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On May 26, 2020, Richard Iaconelli 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 he suffered from a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered on September 14, 2017. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On February 14, 2022, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation. On May 12, 2022, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded a total of $77,500.00 for pain and suffering. Proffer at 1. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer. 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 section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2012). Case 1:20-vv-00642-UNJ Document 43 Filed 06/23/22 Page 2 of 5 Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $77,500.00 (for pain and suffering) in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). The Clerk of 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 1:20-vv-00642-UNJ Document 43 Filed 06/23/22 Page 3 of 5 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) RICHARD IACONELLI, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 20-642V v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN ) SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) ) RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On May 26, 2020, Richard Iaconelli (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”), alleging that he suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table, following administration of a seasonal influenza vaccine he received on September 14, 2017. Petition at 1. On February 14, 2022, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) Report indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a SIRVA Table injury, and on the same day, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 31; ECF No. 32. I. Items of Compensation Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $77,500.00 in pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. Case 1:20-vv-00642-UNJ Document 43 Filed 06/23/22 Page 4 of 5 These amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following1: a lump sum payment of $77,500.00, in the form of a check payable to petitioner. III. Summary of Recommended Payments Following Judgment Lump sum payable to petitioner, Richard Iaconelli: $77,500.00 Respectfully submitted, BRIAN M. BOYNTON Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Acting Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division DARRYL R. WISHARD Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division 1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future lost earnings and future pain and suffering. 2 Case 1:20-vv-00642-UNJ Document 43 Filed 06/23/22 Page 5 of 5 s/ Matthew L. Murphy Matthew L. Murphy Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 (202) 616-4840 matthew.murphy@usdoj.gov DATED: May 12, 2022 3