VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01386 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01386 Petitioner: Laura Hailey Filed: 2020-10-14 Decided: 2022-06-21 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2019-11-14 Condition: Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 62000 AI-assisted case summary: Laura Hailey filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 14, 2020, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine received on November 14, 2019. Petitioner alleged the vaccination occurred in the United States, her injury lasted more than six months, and no prior action or compensation had been sought for these injuries. The respondent denied that Ms. Hailey sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury, and denied that the flu vaccine caused any other injury or her current condition. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on May 9, 2022, agreeing that compensation should be awarded. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as his decision. The decision awarded Ms. Hailey a lump sum of $62,000.00, payable by check to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act. The decision was issued on June 21, 2022. Petitioner was represented by Jessica Olins of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, and Respondent was represented by Sarah Christina Duncan of the U.S. Department of Justice. Theory of causation field: Petitioner Laura Hailey received an influenza vaccine on November 14, 2019. She alleged a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) within the Table time period, or alternatively, that the vaccine caused her right shoulder injury. Respondent denied a SIRVA Table injury and that the vaccine caused the injury or any other condition. The parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to compensation. The public decision does not describe the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or detailed clinical findings. The case was resolved via stipulation, with Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran awarding $62,000.00 as a lump sum. Petitioner was represented by Jessica Olins (Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA) and Respondent by Sarah Christina Duncan (U.S. Department of Justice). The decision date was June 21, 2022. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01386-0 Date issued/filed: 2022-06-21 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 05/10/2022) regarding 38 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer, Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:20-vv-01386-UNJ Document 45 Filed 06/21/22 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 20-1386V UNPUBLISHED LAURA HAILEY, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: May 10, 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) Jessica Olins, Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, Washington, DC, for Petitioner. Sarah Christina Duncan, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On October 14, 2020, Laura Hailey 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 shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine received on November 14, 2019. Petition at ¶¶ 5, 17, 19; Stipulation, filed May 9, 2022, at ¶¶ 2-4. Petitioner further alleges that the vaccine was administered in the United States, her injury lasted more than six months, and neither Petitioner nor any other party has ever brought an action, or received compensation in the form of an award or settlement, for Petitioner’s vaccine-related injuries. Petition at ¶¶ 5, 18, 21-22; Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5. “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. 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. 2National 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-01386-UNJ Document 45 Filed 06/21/22 Page 2 of 7 Nevertheless, on May 9, 2022,the parties filed the attachedjoint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as mydecision 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 $62,000.00 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-01386-UNJ Document 45 Filed 06/21/22 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) LAUR/\ HAILEY. ) ) Petitioner. ) ) No. 20-I 386V V. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTII AND HUMAN ) SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) __________________ ) STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Laura Hailey. petitioner, filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National ** Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. J00aa-10 to -34 (the "Vaccine Program"'). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine. which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table''). 42 C.F.R. § I 00.J(a). 2. Petitioner received the flu vaccine on November I4 .2019. 1 3. The vaccination was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered a right Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration ("SIRV /\")within the time period set forth in the Table. or, in the alternative, that her right shoulder injury was cause-in-fact by the vaccination. and ftuther alleges that she experienced the residual effects of her injury for more than six months. ' The vaccination record indicates that petitioner received the vaccine in her left deltoid. Petitioner avers that she received the vaccine in her right deltoid. DocuS1gn Envelope ID: 6EC7 Aa8s7Ee1 -1B:D200E--4vCvB-20-91C3A8C-6A- 1U9BNO0JE 3 8DFFo4c ument 45 Filed 06/21/22 Page 4 of 7 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. 6. 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. 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. J\.s soon as practicable after an entry 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(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $62,000.00 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-l5(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry oCjudgment 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-2 l (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. l 0. 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 2 •vuv•~·· "-IIV\;IV. ... V •~. V'-', \Vf '-. C I. a J~ s V e '- ~1 .... : ... 2 ..... 0 .., - ... v .,, v ,.... - , 0 '\ 1 ' .. 3 ,..., 8 ...,v 6 .._ - .. U ,...,, N I J ... Document 45 Filed 06/21/22 Page 5 of 7 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. 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- l 5(i), subject lo 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-l 5(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. * 300aa-l 5(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-l O 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 Ou vaccination administered on November 14. 2019. as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about October 14, 2020. in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 20-1386V. 3 DocuS1gn envelope ID: 61:C 7A a8s7Ee 1 -1B:O200l:--4vCvB-20-91C3A8C-6A-1 U9BNU0Jl: 3 8 Df-fo-4c ument 45 Filed 06/21/22 Page 6 of 7 I 4. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on hehal f of either or both of the parties. I 5. 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 or 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 or 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 oCthe i1~ury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. l 7. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the nu Secretary or I lcalth and Human Scrvi<.:cs that the va<.:cine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury or any other injury. 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 4 Uocu::;Ign t:nvelope IU: ot:7 A87t:1-l:3D0E-4CB2-9CAC-A 19BD0E38FF4 Case 1:20-vv-01386-UNJ Document 45 Filed 06/21/22 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: l,Docu$1gned by: ~~1~~~-- LAURA HAILEY ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITlON- OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: .,,... .-✓ I ~~~~J...i\C'-- HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Maglio hristopher & Toale Deputy Director 1325 om1h Avenue, Suite 1730 Torts Branch Seattle, WA 98101 Civil Division Tel: (888) 952-5042 U.S. Depa11ment of Justice Email: jolins@mctlaw.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: Digitally signed by George R. Grimes Scv,o..-V\ c_. °'Dvll George R. Grimes -S14 -s14 f a.r, Date: 2022.04.18 15:41:33 -04'00 ~¼~Lfe...~ CDR GEORGE REED GRJMES, MD, MPH SARAH C. DUNCAN Director, Division oflnjury 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 Station and Human Services Washington, DC 20044-0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 08NI46B Tel: (202) 514-9729 Rockville, MD 20857 Email: sarah.c.duncan@usdoj.gov lo ~It.cu.... Dated: 6S ( 5