VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00943 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00943 Petitioner: Lillie Johnson Filed: 2020-07-31 Decided: 2022-10-21 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2018-10-11 Condition: left shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 100000 AI-assisted case summary: Lillie Johnson filed a petition for vaccine compensation on July 31, 2020, alleging she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 11, 2018. Petitioner alleged the injury lasted for more than six months. Respondent denied that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine, and denied that the flu vaccine caused any other injury or petitioner's current condition. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on September 20, 2022, agreeing to a settlement. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation, awarding Lillie Johnson a lump sum of $100,000.00 as compensation for all damages. This amount represents a compromise of the parties' respective positions on liability and damages. Petitioner was represented by Maximillian J. Muller of Muller Brazil, LLP, and Respondent was represented by Kyle Edward Pozza of the U.S. Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the specific onset, symptoms, medical tests, or treatments related to the alleged injury, nor does it name any medical experts. Theory of causation field: Petitioner Lillie Johnson received an influenza vaccine on October 11, 2018, and alleged a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) that lasted more than six months. Respondent denied that the injury was a Table injury or that it was caused by the vaccine. The parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to a settlement. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation on October 21, 2022, awarding a lump sum of $100,000.00. The stipulation stated that it was a compromise of liability and damages and not an admission that the vaccine caused the injury. The public text does not specify the mechanism of injury or name any experts. Petitioner was represented by Maximillian J. Muller, and Respondent was represented by Kyle Edward Pozza. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00943-0 Date issued/filed: 2022-10-21 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 09/20/2022) regarding 40 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (kle) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:20-vv-00943-UNJ Document 44 Filed 10/21/22 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 20-0943V UNPUBLISHED LILLIE JOHNSON, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: September 20, 2022 v. Special Processing Unit (SPU); Joint SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Stipulation on Damages; Influenza HUMAN SERVICES, (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration Respondent. (SIRVA) Maximillian J. Muller, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Kyle Edward Pozza, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On July 31, 2020, Lillie Johnson 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 left shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered to her on October 11, 2018. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at September 20, 2022, ¶¶ 2-4. Petitioner further alleges that her injury lasted for more than six months. Petition at 1; Stipulation at ¶ 4. Respondent denies “that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denies that petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine, and denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner any other injury or her current condition.” Stipulation at ¶ 6. Nevertheless, on September 20, 2022, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the 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-00943-UNJ Document 44 Filed 10/21/22 Page 2 of 7 stipulation 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 $100,000.00, 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 Section 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 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-00943-UNJ Document 44 Filed 10/21/22 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT O'F Jl'EDIRALCLAIMS OfflCE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) LILLIE JOHNSON, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) v. ) No.20-943V ) Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTII AND ) ECF HUMAN SER.VICES, ) ) Respondent. ) The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: I. Lillie Johnson, petitioner, filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Prosram, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300..lO to -34 (the "Vaccine Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner•s receipt of an influenza ("fluj vaccine, which vaccine is con1ained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Tablej, 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Pe1itioner received the flu vaccine in her left shoulder on October 11, 2018. 3. Tho vaccination was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered a left Shoulda-Injury Related to Vaccine Administration C-SIRVA ") within 1he 1ime period set for1h in the Table, and further alleges 1hat she experienced the fflridual effects oflku-injwy f « more than six months. S. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement ofa civil action for damages O? her behalf as a raultofh er condition. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner SU81Bined a SIR.VA Table injury, denies that Case 1:20-vv-00943-UNJ Document 44 Filed 10/21/22 Page 4 of 7 petitioner's alleged shoulder injury was cauaed-in-fact by the flu vaccine, and denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner any other injwy or her current condition. 7. Maintairung their above-stated positions, the pardes.nevertboless now agree that the issues between them shall be aeulcd and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation descn'bed in parasraph 8 oft his Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an en1l'y ofj udgment 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 (aXl ), the Secretary ofH ealth aad Human Services will issue the following vaccine compenaa1ion payment A lump awn of$ 100.000.00 in the form ofa chodc payable to petitioner. This amountrepresen1S compensation for an damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. f 300aa--1S(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofj udgment on cnlitlemcnt in this case, andafrr.r . petitioner has f'tled both a proper and timely election to teceivc compenation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(l), and an application, the par1ies will submit to furtherproceedinp before tho special master to awanheaaonable &Uom8)'8' fees and coats inownd in proceeding upon 1his petition. 10. Pethioner and her attorney represent that compmaaaion to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is n.ot for any i1mns or services for which tho Program ia not primarily liable under42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(&), to the extent that payment bu been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any State compomation propams, in8UIUCO policies. Federal or State health benefits proarams (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide healduervices on a pre-paid basis. 2 Case 1:20-vv-00943-UNJ Document 44 Filed 10/21/22 Page 5 of 7 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 oft his Stipulation will be made in accordana, wi1h 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 1S (i), subjoot eo dto availability of• uffichtnt statutory funds. 12. 1be parties and 1bcir attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attomeys' fees and litigation costs. and past unreimbursed expenses. the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of4 2 U.S.C. § 300a-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-1S(g) and (h). 13. In retum for the payments dcscnoed in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity, and on behalfo fh er heirs, cxecumrs, administtatorst succesaan or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and dischmge the United States and the Secretary of Health aad Human Services m>many and all actions or causes ofa ction (including agreements, judgmonfl. claim&, damages, loss ofs ervices, expeas• 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 Compcmation Pro~ 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of. or in any way growing outof,.any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death ofp etitioner resulting from, or alle88(1 t.o have n,uJted from, the fiu vaccination sdminisfieredoa October 11, 2018, as all~ by petitioner in a petition forvaccinecompeosalion filod on or aboutJuly 31, 2020, in the United States Court of Federal Claims u petition No. 20-943V. 14. If petitioner should die prior t.o en1ry ofj udgment, this agreement sbaD be voidable upon proper no1icc to the Cowt on behalfo fe ither orb oth of the parties. 3 Case 1:20-vv-00943-UNJ Document 44 Filed 10/21/22 Page 6 of 7 1S . If the special master fails to issue a decision in c;omplete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enterj udgment in oontormity with a decision chat is in oomploto coafonnity wida dto tenna ofd t;. Stipulation, tho.a tho .P~ settlement and 1his Stipulation shall be voidable at1 ho sole discretion.ofe i1her party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and oompletc negotiated scUlement of liability and damages claimed under1he National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in pangraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agn,emaiton tbc part oft he parties hereto to make any payim,nt or to do any act or thing other than is herein expieasly statod and clearly agreed to. The parties fwdlcr qrcc and understand that the award descn"bed in this Stipulation may reflect a compromiao of1he parties' respcctivepoaitiona as to liability and/or amount of damages, and furtha-, that a change in the nature oft he ioJwy or condition or in die items of compensatibn sought, is not p,unds to modify or revise this ap::emcnt 17. This StipuJation shall not be coastrued as an admisaion by the Unit.eel States or the Secretary ofH ealth and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury or any otherinjury. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hemmda-shall apply equally to petitioner's heir&, executors, administrators, succalSOl'8, ancVor aaaigos. END OF STIPULATION I I I I I I I I I I I 4 Case 1:20-vv-00943-UNJ Document 44 Filed 10/21/22 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: ~ - ~ ~- ~ LllUEJOll • N A 1TORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITI OF THE ATrORNEY GENERAL: w4:U~~ HE.AT HER L. PEARLMAN Muller Brazil. LLP Deputy Director 715 Twining Road. Suite 208 Torts Branch Dresher, PA 19025 Civil Division Tel: (215)88S-16SS U.S. DepanmcntofJ ustice Email: max@myvaccincJawyer.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE A1TORNEYOFRECORDFOR OFTHESECRETARYOFBEALTB RESPONDENT: AND RUMAN SERVICES: George R. Grimes-Oitbl1slgMclbfGeof9eR. ~-S14 S1 4 o.c 2022.Cf.ol51l:lek1S«oo' CDR GEORGE RBBD GRIMES, MD, MPH KYLEE. POZZA Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice Administration P.O. Box 146 U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin S1ation and Human Services Washinaton. DC 20044..() l 46 5600 Fishers Lane, 0BN 146B Tel: (202)616-3661 Rockville, MD 208S7 E-mail: Kyle.Pozza@usdoj.gov Dated: s