Taylor White v. HHS - MMR, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (2023)

Taylor White, as mother and natural guardian of her minor child T.J., filed a petition on May 13, 2022, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Petitioner alleged that T.J. suffered from idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) as a result of receiving a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on May 28, 2021.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reviewed the petition and medical records. In a report filed on May 10, 2023, the respondent conceded that T.J.'s claim was compensable under the Vaccine Injury Table, acknowledging that the MMR vaccine caused T.J.'s ITP and that the onset occurred within the appropriate timeframe.

Based on the respondent's concession, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on May 11, 2023, finding T.J. entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, the parties reached a stipulation for damages. On October 18, 2023, the respondent filed a proffer proposing an award of compensation, which the Chief Special Master reviewed and adopted as the decision.

The award included a lump sum payment of $50,000.00 for the benefit of T.J., payable to Taylor White as T.J.'s guardian/conservator upon confirmation of her guardianship status, and a lump sum payment of $1,510.72 for past unreimbursable expenses, payable to Taylor White. The total award was $51,510.72.

Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, and respondent was represented by Katherine Carr Esposito of the U.S.

Department of Justice.