VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01606 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01606 Petitioner: Amy Laws Filed: 2020-11-17 Decided: 2024-02-15 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2019-10-07 Condition: Guillain Barre Syndrome Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 400000 AI-assisted case summary: Amy Laws filed a petition for vaccine compensation on November 17, 2020, alleging that an influenza vaccine she received on October 7, 2019, caused her to develop Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). She further claimed that her symptoms persisted for more than six months. Respondent denied that the vaccine caused her GBS or that it occurred within the Table timeframe. Despite these disagreements, the parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case. The stipulation states that the flu vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table. As part of the settlement, the Special Master adopted the stipulation as the decision of the Court. Amy Laws was awarded a lump sum of $400,000.00 as compensation for all damages available under the program. The parties agreed that this stipulation represents a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages, and it does not constitute an admission by the United States that the vaccine caused the alleged injury. Theory of causation field: Table Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01606-0 Date issued/filed: 2024-02-15 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 1/23/2024) regarding 92 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer, Signed by Special Master Christian J. Moran. (dksc) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:20-vv-01606-UNJ Document 96 Filed 02/15/24 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AMY LAWS, * No. 20-1606V * Petitioner, * * Special Master Christian J. Moran v. * * Filed: January 23, 2024 SECRETARY OF HEALTH * AND HUMAN SERVICES, * * Respondent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ronald Homer, Nathaniel Enos, Conway Homer, P.C., Boston, MA, for Petitioner; Julia Collison, United States Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. UNPUBLISHED DECISION1 On January 23, 2024, the parties filed a joint stipulation concerning the petition for compensation filed by Amy Laws on November 17, 2020. Petitioner alleged that the influenza (“flu”) vaccination caused her to suffer Guillain-Barre syndrome (“GBS”). Petitioner further alleges that her symptoms persisted for more than six months. 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 alleged injury. Respondent denies that the vaccine caused petitioner to suffer from GBS. Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation, attached hereto. The undersigned finds said stipulation reasonable and adopts it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Damages awarded in that stipulation include: 1 Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (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), the parties have 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Any changes will appear in the document posted on the website. Case 1:20-vv-01606-UNJ Document 96 Filed 02/15/24 Page 2 of 7 A lump sum of $400,000.00 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). In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC, Appendix B, the clerk is directed to enter judgment according to this decision and the attached stipulation.2 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Christian J. Moran Christian J. Moran Special Master 2 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties can expedite entry of judgment by each party filing a notice renouncing the right to seek review by a United States Court of Federal Claims judge. 2 Case 1:20-vv-01606-UNJ Document 96 Filed 02/15/24 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS AMY LAWS, Petitioner, No. 20-1606V v. Special Master Moran ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: I . Amy Laws ("petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l0 to 34 (the "Vaccine Program"). The petition seeks compensation for an injury allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the .. Table"), 42 C.F.R. § I 00.3(a). 2. On October 7, 2019, petitioner received a flu vaccine. 3. The vaccine was administered in the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she developed Guillain Barre Syndrome ("OBS") as a result of her flu vaccination. She further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages as a resu It of her alleged condition. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained the onset of her alleged OBS within the Table timeframe; denies that the vaccine caused petitioner's alleged OBS, or any other injury; and I of5 Case 1:20-vv-01606-UNJ Document 96 Filed 02/15/24 Page 4 of 7 denies that her current condition is a sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. 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 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-2 l(a)(l ), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: a lump sum ofS400,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represent compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(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. I0 . Petitioner and her attorney represent that they have identified to respondent all known sources of payment for items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U. S.C. § 300aa-l 5(g), including 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 entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation, and any amount awarded pursuant to paragraph 9, will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l5(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any 2 of5 Case 1:20-vv-01606-UNJ Document 96 Filed 02/15/24 Page 5 of 7 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-l 5(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payment described in paragraph 8, and any amount awarded pursuant to paragraph 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 vaccine administered on October 7, 2019, as identified in a Petition filed on November 17, 2020, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 20-1606V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry ofj udgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the United States 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 3 of5 Case 1:20-vv-01606-UNJ Document 96 Filed 02/15/24 Page 6 of 7 as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or 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 Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged injury, or any other injury or her current condition. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION 4 of.5 Case 1:20-vv-01606-UNJ Document 96 Filed 02/15/24 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted. PETITIONER: ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: o/ ~ c. H.w RONALD C. HOMER NA TIIANlF.L C. ENOS Deputy Oirector Conway Homer. P.C. Torts Branch I6 Shawmut Street Civil Division Boston. MA 021 16 l.'. S. Dcpartm~nl of Justice (617) 695-1990 P.O. Box 146 nenos@ ,_ ccandh.com Benjamin rranklin Station Washington. DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTOR~EY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: George R. D,gitallys'1g11edbyGeor9eR. <.,rim..-s•S14 Grimes -514 Date: ?02◄.01.0912:41:44 osoo· CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES. MD. MPH JULAt\1. COLLISON Director, Division of Injury Assistant Oirector Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division I lcalth Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice Administration P.O. Oox 146 l; .S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station and Human Services \Vashington. UC 20044-0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 08\V-25A (202) 305-0102 Rockville. MD 20857 jul ia.col lison@usdoj.gov Jt 311_ 3/., Dated: / / - --#,----, ........- - - :i of5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01606-cl-extra-10736176 Date issued/filed: 2024-02-15 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10269586 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ************************* AMY LAWS, * No. 20-1606V * Petitioner, * * Special Master Christian J. Moran v. * * Filed: January 23, 2024 SECRETARY OF HEALTH * AND HUMAN SERVICES, * * Respondent. * ************************* Ronald Homer, Nathaniel Enos, Conway Homer, P.C., Boston, MA, for Petitioner; Julia Collison, United States Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. UNPUBLISHED DECISION 1 On January 23, 2024, the parties filed a joint stipulation concerning the petition for compensation filed by Amy Laws on November 17, 2020. Petitioner alleged that the influenza (“flu”) vaccination caused her to suffer Guillain-Barre syndrome (“GBS”). Petitioner further alleges that her symptoms persisted for more than six months. 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 alleged injury. Respondent denies that the vaccine caused petitioner to suffer from GBS. Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation, attached hereto. The undersigned finds said stipulation reasonable and adopts it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Damages awarded in that stipulation include: 1 Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (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), the parties have 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Any changes will appear in the document posted on the website. A lump sum of $400,000.00 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). In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC, Appendix B, the clerk is directed to enter judgment according to this decision and the attached stipulation. 2 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Christian J. Moran Christian J. Moran Special Master 2 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties can expedite entry of judgment by each party filing a notice renouncing the right to seek review by a United States Court of Federal Claims judge. 2 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS AMY LAWS, Petitioner, No. 20-1606V v. Special Master Moran ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: I. Amy Laws ("petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l0 to 34 (the "Vaccine Program"). The petition seeks compensation for an injury allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the ..Table"), 42 C.F.R. § I00.3(a). 2. On October 7, 2019, petitioner received a flu vaccine. 3. The vaccine was administered in the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she developed Guillain Barre Syndrome ("OBS") as a result of her flu vaccination. She further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages as a resu It of her alleged condition. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained the onset of her alleged OBS within the Table timeframe; denies that the vaccine caused petitioner's alleged OBS, or any other injury; and I of5 denies that her current condition is a sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. 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 ofjudgment 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-2 l(a)(l ), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: a lump sum ofS400,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represent compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(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. I0. Petitioner and her attorney represent that they have identified to respondent all known sources of payment for items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- l 5(g), including 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 entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation, and any amount awarded pursuant to paragraph 9, will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l5(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any 2 of5 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-l 5(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payment described in paragraph 8, and any amount awarded pursuant to paragraph 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 vaccine administered on October 7, 2019, as identified in a Petition filed on November 17, 2020, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 20-1606V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry ofjudgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the United States 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 3 of5 as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or 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 Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged injury, or any other injury or her current condition. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION 4 of.5 Respectfu lly submitted. PETITIONER: ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: ~ c. H.w o/ RONALD C. HOM ER NATIIANlF.L C. ENOS Deputy Oirector Conway Homer. P.C. Torts Branch I6 Shawmut Street Civil Division Boston. MA 021 16 l.'.S. Dcpartm~nl of Justice (617) 695-1990 P.O. Box 146 nenos@ccandh.com ,_ Benjamin rranklin Station Washington. DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTOR~EY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: George R. D,gitallys'1g11edby Geor9eR. <.,rim..-s •S14 Grimes -514 Date : ?02◄.01.09 1 2:41:44 osoo· CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES. MD. MPH JULAt\1. COLLISON Director, Division of Injury Assistant Oirector Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division I lcalth Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice Administration P.O. Oox 146 l; .S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station and Human Services \Vashington. UC 20044-0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 08\V-25A (202) 305-0102 Rockville. MD 20857 jul ia.col lison@usdoj .gov Dated: - // --#- Jt 311_ 3/., , --- , ........- - - :i of5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01606-cl-extra-10816285 Date issued/filed: 2025-03-04 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10349697 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ********************** AMY LAWS, * No. 20-1606V * Petitioner, * * Special Master Christian J. Moran v. * * Filed: February 6, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH * AND HUMAN SERVICES, * * Respondent. * ********************** Ronald Homer, Nathaniel Enos, Conway Homer, P.C., Boston, MA, for Petitioner; Julia Collison, United States Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. UNPUBLISHED DECISION AWARDING ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS1 Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(e), petitioner has requested a total of $75,483.67 in attorneys’ fees and costs. The undersigned tentatively found that petitioner requested a reasonable amount and was entitled to the full amount requested. The undersigned allowed respondent an opportunity to comment. Respondent did not interpose any objections within the time permitted. Petitioner’s attorney, attorney staff, and life care planner have requested hourly rates that are consistent with the rates previously awarded and/or 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (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), the parties have 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Any changes will appear in the document posted on the website. reasonable. The number of hours is reasonable. Thus, the amount requested is reasonable.2 Petitioner is awarded $75,483.67 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment herewith. 3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Christian J. Moran Christian J. Moran Special Master 2 Petitioner’s life care planner, Roberta Hurley, prepared an invoice with several entries condensing multiple activities into one block-billed item. Pet’r’ Mot., tab B, at 54. The Secretary’s failure to object factors into a finding that Ms. Hurley’s expense is reasonable. Nevertheless, Ms. Hurley should describe her activities more specifically and divide her time entries into smaller units. See Caves v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 111 Fed. Cl. 774, 781- 83 (2013). 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by filing a joint notice renouncing their right to seek review. 2