Gabrielle Natale v. HHS - Meningococcal, syncope, a facial laceration and subsequent scarring (2021)

Gabrielle Natale filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on August 7, 2020, alleging that she suffered syncope, a facial laceration, and subsequent scarring after receiving a meningococcal vaccine on April 25, 2019. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on December 21, 2020, conceding that Ms.

Natale satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and its Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation, which afforded her a presumption of causation. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on December 21, 2020, finding Ms. Natale entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on January 5, 2021, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, recommending an award of $45,000.00 for pain and suffering, representing all types of compensation. The petitioner agreed with this proffered award.

Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision on February 23, 2021, awarding Ms. Natale a lump sum payment of $45,000.00, payable to her, as compensation for all damages.

Petitioner was represented by Ronald Craig Homer of Conway, Homer, P.C., and respondent was represented by Julia Marter Collison of the U.S. Department of Justice.