VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00122 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00122 Petitioner: Pamela Allen Filed: 2022-02-04 Decided: 2024-06-27 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2019-11-14 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 25000 AI-assisted case summary: Pamela Allen, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on November 14, 2019. She filed a petition for compensation on February 4, 2022, alleging she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) within the Table's timeframe, or alternatively, that the flu vaccine caused her shoulder injury. She also alleged the residual effects of this condition lasted for more than six months. Respondent denied that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged SIRVA or any other injury, and denied that her current condition was a sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. The court adopted the stipulation as its decision, awarding Pamela Allen a lump sum of $25,000.00 for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. This decision was issued on June 27, 2024. Theory of causation field: Table Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00122-0 Date issued/filed: 2024-06-27 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 05/21/2024) regarding 33 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer ( Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. )(mpj) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:22-vv-00122-UNJ Document 37 Filed 06/27/24 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-0122V PAMELA ALLEN, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: May 21, 2024 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. David John Carney, Green & Schafle LLC, Philadelphia, PA, for Petitioner. Nina Ren, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On February 4, 2022, Pamela Allen filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). On November 14, 2019, Petitioner received an influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). Petitioner alleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) within the time period set forth in the Table following administration of the vaccine. In the alternative, Petitioner alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury that was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that Petitioner’s current condition is a sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. 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 (2012). Case 1:22-vv-00122-UNJ Document 37 Filed 06/27/24 Page 2 of 7 Nevertheless, on May 21, 2024, 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 $25,000.00 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Stipulation at ¶ 8. 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 1:22-vv-00122-UNJ Document 37 Filed 06/27/24 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS PAMELA ALLEN. Petitioner, v. No. 22-122V Chief Special Master Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Pamela Allen (''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 vaccination ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine in her left arm on November 14, 2019. 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that petitioner sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table following administration of the vaccine. In the alternative, petitioner alleges that petitioner suffered a shoulder injury that was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that petitioner experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six months. Case 1:22-vv-00122-UNJ Document 37 Filed 06/27/24 Page 4 of 7 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 oft he alleged injury. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that petitioner's 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 tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21 (a)()), the Secretary of Health and Human Services wil1 issue the following vaccine compensation payment for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-lS(a): A lump sum of $25,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. 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-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 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 undcr42 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, 2 Case 1:22-vv-00122-UNJ Document 37 Filed 06/27/24 Page 5 of 7 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 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 attorney's 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-l5(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 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 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 November 14, 2019, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about February 4, 2022, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 22-122V. 3 Case 1:22-vv-00122-UNJ Document 37 Filed 06/27/24 Page 6 of 7 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 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 Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged SIRVA or any other injury or petitioner's current condition, 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 1:22-vv-00122-UNJ Document 37 Filed 06/27/24 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: PAMELA ALLEN ATTORNEY OF RECORD AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE AT IORNEY GENERAL: 7JJNER:'A'Al6'o....-iij:- ~H~~- David J. Carney, Esquire GREEN & SCHAFLE, LLC Deputy Director 2332 South Broad Street Torts Branch Philadelphia, PA 19145 Civil Division (215) 326-9256 U.S. Department of Justice dcarney@greenlegalteam.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE AITORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: George R. Grimes Oigllilly signed by George R. GrlrMS•S14 -S 14 D~te:2024,0S.13 13:10:29-04'00' CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH NINA . REN Director, Division of Injury 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, 08W-25A (202) 451-7499 Rockville, MD 20857 nina.ren@usdoj.gov