VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01140 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01140 Petitioner: Isabel Irizarry Filed: 2020-09-03 Decided: 2022-03-09 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2017-12-14 Condition: Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 90000 AI-assisted case summary: Isabel Irizarry filed a petition for compensation on September 3, 2020, alleging she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccination on December 14, 2017. Petitioner stated the vaccine was administered in the United States, that the injury's residual effects lasted more than six months, and that she had no prior award or settlement for this injury. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, respondent, denied that the flu vaccine caused Ms. Irizarry's injury or any other condition. Despite these opposing positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation on February 1, 2022, agreeing to settle the case. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation, awarding Ms. Irizarry a lump sum of $90,000.00 as compensation for all damages. This amount represents a compromise of the parties' respective positions on liability and damages. Petitioner was represented by Jimmy A. Zgheib of Zgheib Sayad, P.C., and respondent was represented by Kimberly Shubert Davey of the U.S. Department of Justice. The decision was issued on March 9, 2022. Theory of causation field: Petitioner Isabel Irizarry alleged a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) following an influenza vaccination on December 14, 2017. The public decision does not describe the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or clinical details of the alleged condition. Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case, agreeing to an award of $90,000.00. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation. The theory of causation is based on the Vaccine Injury Table (SIRVA). Petitioner was represented by Jimmy A. Zgheib, and respondent by Kimberly Shubert Davey. The decision date was March 9, 2022. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01140-0 Date issued/filed: 2022-03-09 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 02/04/2022) regarding 26 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:20-vv-01140-UNJ Document 32 Filed 03/09/22 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 20-1140V UNPUBLISHED ISABEL IRIZARRY, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: February 4, 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) Jimmy A. Zgheib, Zgheib Sayad, P.C., White Plains, NY, for Petitioner. Kimberly Shubert Davey, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On September 3, 2020, Isabel Irizarry 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 Table injury – a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”) – as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccination on December 14, 2017. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed February 1, 2022, ¶¶ 1-2, 4. Petitioner further alleges the vaccine was administered within the United States, that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action on her behalf as a result of her injury. Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5; see Petition at ¶¶ 45-47. “Respondent denies that the flu vaccine caused [P]etitioner to suffer a left shoulder injury or any other injury or her current condition, and denies that [P]etitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury.” Stipulation at ¶ 6. 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-01140-UNJ Document 32 Filed 03/09/22 Page 2 of 7 Nevertheless, on February 1, 2022, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the 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 $90,000.00 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-01140-UNJ Document 32 Filed 03/09/22 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) ISABEL IRIZARRY, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 20-1140V v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ) HUMAN SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Isabel Irizarry, 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 is a vaccine contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a). 2. Petitioner received the flu vaccine on December 14, 2017. 3. The vaccination was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she sustained a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration as defmed in the Table; she further alleges that the flu vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury, and that she suffered the residual effects of her alleged injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. Case 1:20-vv-01140-UNJ Document 32 Filed 03/09/22 Page 4 of 7 6. Respondent denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner to suffer a left shoulder injury or any other injury or her current condition, and denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table ln.Jlll"Y. 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 Hwmm Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $90,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), and an application, the parties 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 compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any 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 by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 2 Case 1:20-vv-01140-UNJ Document 32 Filed 03/09/22 Page 5 of 7 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation 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 further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attorneys' 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 of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(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 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 December 14, 2017 as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about September 3, 2020, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 20-1140V. 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 1:20-vv-01140-UNJ Document 32 Filed 03/09/22 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 further 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 Hwnan Services that the flu vaccine caused or significantly aggravated petitioner's alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury or her current condition. 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 1:20-vv-01140-UNJ Document 32 Filed 03/09/22 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: ISABEL IRIZARRY ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: \,4A ~ pa)----Ybv..~ JIM HEATHER L. PEARLMAN C el for Petitioner Deputy Director Zgheib Sayad. P.C. Torts Branch, Civil Division 75 South Broadway, 4th Floor U.S. Department of Justice White Plains, NY 10601 P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEYOFRECORDFO OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: ~St:h~ v& ~ , v#'Sc-, AP~ ,/41- ~ ~ L--Pc~ Mi4f cDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, KIMBERLY S. DAVEY Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch, Civil Division Health Systems Bureau U.S. Department of Justice Health Resources and Services P.O. Box 146 Administration Benjamin Franklin Station U.S. Department of Health Washington, DC 20044-0146 and Human Services (202) 307-1815 5600 Fishers Lane, 08N 146B kimberly.davey@usdoj.gov Rockville, MD 20857 Dated: o?;/01 h..tJZ,"2. 5