VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00016 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00016 Petitioner: Jessica McKnight Filed: 2021-01-04 Decided: 2023-08-31 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2020-10-14 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 44000 AI-assisted case summary: Jessica McKnight filed a petition for vaccine compensation on January 4, 2021, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccination received on October 14, 2020. Respondent denied that petitioner sustained a Table SIRVA injury or that the vaccine caused her injury. However, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. The Chief Special Master adopted the stipulation as the decision, awarding Jessica McKnight a lump sum of $44,000.00. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The parties also agreed to submit to further proceedings to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The stipulation was not an admission by the United States that the vaccine caused the injury, but rather a negotiated settlement of liability and damages. Theory of causation field: Table Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00016-0 Date issued/filed: 2023-08-31 Pages: 8 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 07/28/2023) regarding 27 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (nh) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:21-vv-00016-UNJ Document 31 Filed 08/31/23 Page 1 of 8 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 21-0016V JESSICA MCKNIGHT, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: July 28, 2023 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Maximillian J. Muller, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Naseem Kourosh, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On January 4, 2021, Jessica McKnight 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 shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), as the result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccination received on October 14, 2020. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at July 26, 2023, ¶¶ 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 ¶¶ 3-6; See Petition at ¶¶ 1, 6-7. “Respondent denies that [P]etitioner sustained a Table SIRVA injury; denies that the vaccine caused [P]etitioner’s alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury; and denies that [P]etitioner’s current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.” Stipulation at ¶ 6. 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), 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 (2018). Case 1:21-vv-00016-UNJ Document 31 Filed 08/31/23 Page 2 of 8 Nevertheless, on July 26, 2023, 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 $44,000.00 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 inesign Document IDC:a 1s8e7 1E:2E1C-v3v2--020F0E116--4U7N2JC - BD1o2c4u-mB6e2nAt 3314 9 7FAil9e9dF 0 8/31/23 Page 3 of 8 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS JESSICA MCKNIGHT, Petitioner, No. 21-16V (ECF) v. Chief Special Master Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Jessica McKnight, petitioner, filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 et seq. (the "Vaccine Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of the influenza vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received an influenza vaccine on October 14, 2020. 3. The vaccination was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that petitioner sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") as set forth in the Table. Petitioner further alleges that petitioner experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on petitioner's behalf as a result of petitioner's condition. he signed document can be validated at https://app.vinesign.comNerify Case 1:21-vv-00016-UNJ Document 31 Filed 08/31/23 Page 4 of 8 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury; and denies that petitioner's current condition is a sequels 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-21(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $44,000.00 in the fonn 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 ofj udgment 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-21(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. I 0. Petitioner and petitioner's 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 1:21-vv-00016-UNJ Document 31 Filed 08/31/23 Page 5 of 8 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 unreimbursable expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for petitioner's benefit 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 payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in petitioner's individual capacity, and on behalf of petitioner's 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 Vaccine 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 influenza vaccination administered on October 14, 2020, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about January 4, 2021, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 21-16V. 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. 3 Case 1:21-vv-00016-UNJ Document 31 Filed 08/31/23 Page 6 of 8 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete confonnity 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 Human Service that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner's alleged injury or any other injury or petitioner's current disabilities, or that petitioner suffered an injury contained in the Vaccine Injury Table. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION 4 Case 1:21-vv-00016-UNJ Document 31 Filed 08/31/23 Page 7 of 8 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: JESSICA MCKNIGHT ATTORNEY OF RECORD AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FOR PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: 'iitl~Mf~ £:IAN MULLER Muller Brazil Deputy Director 715 Twining Road, Suite 208 Torts Branch Dresher, PA, 19025 Civil Division Telephone: (215) 885-1655 U.S. Department of Justice Email: max@mullerbrazil.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRET ARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: /J~ }0Q-vVcr4.{/') Henry p P--L~ Oiglt.allyslgr,edbyHenry h~ ~,i_,V\ ~ • P. Mcmlllar, ·S3 by Mcmillan -S3 220842 ~~~oml6 ' :56 CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH NASEEM KOUROSH 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 Hwnan Services Washington, DC 20044-0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 08Nl46B Telephone: (202) 305-1159 Rockville, MD 20857 Email: Naseem.Kourosh@usdoj.gov Dated: o :r:/2S/ ZO Z ;J 5 Case 1:21-vv-00016-UNJ Document 31 Filed 08/31/23 Page 8 of 8 Vinesign ~ Verification Complete The document has been officially verified. Document Status ~ Signed & Verified Document Name Jessica McKnight -Stipulation Sender Name Muller Brazil Document Key 1 B7EEC32-2FE1-472C-B124-B62A3497A 99F Recipient 1 IP Address Signature Jessica McKnight 24.128.75.172 jmcknight0927@gmail.com (303) 907-2896 Order 1 Document History Activity Date&Time Recipient Activity Details 07/11/2023 12:21 Jessica Signed by Jessica McKnight ((303) 907-2896) UTC McKnight Blockchaln Block Wp4zYyRC0j6kcs09FwlpeFl)oWVdWMRmBzQCXU7RNU= Document Completed Document Hash +11,m:m+ 80CA67E42BBAD4C00A62633F0941 E09268384CF871A45BF95861 EF332ACC48A4 Tlmestllmp 07/111202312:21 UTC @ 07/11/2023 12:20 Jessica Viewed byJ essica McKnight ((303) 907-2896) UTC McKnight Document Viewed @ 07/10/2023 21 :24 Jessica Viewed byJ essica McKnight ((303) 907-2896) UTC McKnight Document Viewed 4 07/10/2023 21 :21 Jessica Sent out via email to Jessica McKnight umcknight0927@gmail.com) UTC McKnight Document Sent 4 07/10/202321:21 Jessica Sent out via text to Jessica McKnight ((303) 907-2896) UTC McKnight Document Sent I 07/10/2023 21 :21 Created by Muller Brazil (medicalrecords@myvaccinelawyer.com) UTC Document Created