VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-02160 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-02160 Petitioner: Caitlin Yohannes Filed: 2025-03-07 Decided: 2025-04-08 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2021-09-18 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 36000 AI-assisted case summary: Caitlin Yohannes filed a petition for compensation on March 7, 2025, alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) following an influenza vaccination on September 18, 2021. She further alleged that she suffered residual effects from this injury for more than six months. Respondent denied that Petitioner suffered a Table SIRVA injury and denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged left shoulder injury or current condition. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on March 7, 2025, agreeing to a settlement. The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as its decision awarding damages. Caitlin Yohannes was awarded a lump sum of $36,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act. This amount is to be paid through an ACH deposit to her counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. The parties also agreed to further proceedings to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The stipulation explicitly states that it is not an admission by the United States or the Secretary that the flu vaccine caused the injury or that Petitioner suffered a Table SIRVA injury. Theory of causation field: Table Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-02160-0 Date issued/filed: 2025-04-08 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 03/07/2025) regarding 26 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (nh) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:23-vv-02160-UNJ Document 31 Filed 04/08/25 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-2160V CAITLIN YOHANNES, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: March 7, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Randall G. Knutson, Knutson & Casey Law Firm, Mankato, MN, for Petitioner. Mark Kim Hellie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On December 21, 2023, Caitlin Yohannes 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”) following an influenza vaccination she received on September 18, 2021. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at March 7, 2025, ¶¶ 2, 4. Petitioner further alleges that she has suffered the residual effects of her vaccine related injury for more than six months. Petition at ¶ 13; Stipulation at ¶ 4. “Respondent denies that Petitioner suffered a Table SIRVA injury, and further denies that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged left shoulder injury, or her current condition.” 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 1:23-vv-02160-UNJ Document 31 Filed 04/08/25 Page 2 of 7 Nevertheless, on March 7, 2025, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation,3 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 $36,000.00, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement 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.4 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 The filed Stipulation included an electronic signature verification page which has been removed to protect the confidential information of the signers. 4 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 1:23-vv-02160-UNJ Document 31 Filed 04/08/25 Page 3 of 7 (cid:15)(cid:28)(cid:21)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:33)(cid:16)(cid:27)(cid:32)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:28)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:33)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:33)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:14)(cid:9)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:6)(cid:17)(cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:1)(cid:6)(cid:13)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:10)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:9)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:13)(cid:2)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:33) 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(cid:48)(cid:50)(cid:80)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:89)(cid:61)(cid:78)(cid:89)(cid:51)(cid:48)(cid:73)(cid:48)(cid:63)(cid:52)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:89)(cid:64)(cid:52)(cid:78)(cid:89)(cid:49)(cid:52)(cid:64)(cid:48)(cid:71)(cid:53)(cid:89)(cid:48)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:48)(cid:89)(cid:78)(cid:52)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:81)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:53)(cid:89)(cid:64)(cid:52)(cid:78)(cid:89)(cid:48)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:52)(cid:63)(cid:52)(cid:51)(cid:89)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:67)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:65)(cid:52)(cid:79)(cid:13)(cid:89) Case 1:23-vv-02160-UNJ Document 31 Filed 04/08/25 Page 4 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: A24C8CB5-4E88-4B2F-9DD8-6DEFDB19B355 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a Table SIRVA injury, and further denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged left shoulder injury, 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. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment 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 $36,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner's counsel's IOL TA account for prompt disbursement 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 of judgment 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 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-l 5(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 1:23-vv-02160-UNJ Document 31 Filed 04/08/25 Page 5 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: A24C8CB5-4E88-482F-9008-6DEFDB19B355 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 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 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-15(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-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 September 18, 2021, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about December 21, 2023, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 23-2160V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 Case 1:23-vv-02160-UNJ Document 31 Filed 04/08/25 Page 6 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: A24CBCB5-4E88-4B2F-9DD8-6DEFDB19B355 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 left shoulder injury or any other injury or her 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 1:23-vv-02160-UNJ Document 31 Filed 04/08/25 Page 7 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: A24CBCB5-4E88-4B2F-9D D8-6DEFDB 19B355 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: I/Signed by: L~ ~- - cAITuN YOHANNES ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: "l¼ ~ jl_c,,,,O, [( &w!so~ DALL G. KN TSON HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Knutson Casey Law Firm Deputy Director 196 St. Andrews Dr., Suite I 00 Torts Branch, Civil Division Mankato, MN 56001 U.S. Department of Justice randy@knutsoncasey.com P.O. Box 146 (507) 344-8888 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE A TTONEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: / ,--1-1,1 ·" i / / 1//(1 .-· -· ,~--,- Jeffreys. Beach ~~~~~l'.~signedbyJeffreyS -5 Date: 2025.02.19 15:31 :39 for -05'00' CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH MARK K. HELLIE Director, Division oflnjury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch, Civil Division Health Systems Bureau U.S. Department of Justice Health Resources and P.O. Box 146 Services Administration Benjamin Franklin Station U.S. Department of Health and Washington, DC 20044-0146 Human Services mark.hellie@usdoj.gov 5600 Fishers Lane,08W-25A (202) 616-4208 Rockville, MD 20857 r1 3 ? Dated: 011 \I\ C 7_<;" v 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-02160-cl-extra-10840999 Date issued/filed: 2025-04-08 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10374411 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-2160V CAITLIN YOHANNES, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: March 7, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Randall G. Knutson, Knutson & Casey Law Firm, Mankato, MN, for Petitioner. Mark Kim Hellie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION 1 On December 21, 2023, Caitlin Yohannes 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”) following an influenza vaccination she received on September 18, 2021. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at March 7, 2025, ¶¶ 2, 4. Petitioner further alleges that she has suffered the residual effects of her vaccine related injury for more than six months. Petition at ¶ 13; Stipulation at ¶ 4. “Respondent denies that Petitioner suffered a Table SIRVA injury, and further denies that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged left shoulder injury, or her current condition.” 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). Nevertheless, on March 7, 2025, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, 3 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 $36,000.00, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision. 4 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 The filed Stipulation included an electronic signature verification page which has been removed to protect the confidential information of the signers. 4 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 ! ! !         !             "+#"%Y/&!%%) Y '4PAPALJ4NY 0O4Y%L Y .Y Y          )(*(/Y& Y!#Y*!Y %Y!,$%Y)(.") Y (4OMLJ34JQY     *@4YM0NPA4OY@4N41VYOPAMRG0Q4YQLYP@4Y4NYN424ASAJ?YP@4Y;RYS022AJ4 Y0J3Y 0GG4?4OYP@0QYO@4Y4UM4NA4J243YP@4YN4OA3R0GY4742POYL5YQ@AOYAJERNVY=NYILN4YQ@0JYOAUYILJP@O Y  '4QAPALJ4NYN4MN4O4JQOYP@0QYQ@4N4Y@0OY144JYJLYMNALNY0T0N3YLNYO4QPG4I4JPYL5Y0Y2ASAG 02PALJY=NY30I0?4OYLJY@4NY14@0G5Y0OY0YN4ORGQYL5Y@4NY0GG4?43YAJCRNA4O Y Docusign Envelope ID: A24C8CB5-4E88-4B2F-9DD8-6DEFDB19B355 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a Table SIRVA injury, and further denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged left shoulder injury, 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. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment 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 $36,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner's counsel's IOL TA account for prompt disbursement 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 of judgment 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 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- l 5(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 Docusign Envelope ID: A24C8CB5-4E88-482F-9008-6DEFDB19B355 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 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 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-15(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-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 September 18, 2021, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about December 21, 2023, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 23-2160V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 Docusign Envelope ID: A24CBCB5-4E88-4B2F-9DD8-6DEFDB19B355 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 left shoulder injury or any other injury or her 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 Docusign Envelope ID: A24CBCB5-4E88-4B2F-9D D8-6DEFDB 19B355 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: I / Signed by: L~ ~- - cAITuN YOHANNES ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: ~ "l¼ jl_c,,,,O, [( &w!so~ HEATHER L. PEARLMAN DALL G. KN TSON Knutson Casey Law Firm Deputy Director 196 St. Andrews Dr., Suite I 00 Torts Branch, Civil Division Mankato, MN 56001 U.S. Department of Justice randy@knutsoncasey.com P.O . Box 146 (507) 344-8888 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTONEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: / ,--1-1,1 ·" i Jeffreys. Beach ~~~~~l'.~signedbyJeffreyS / / 1//(1 .-· -·,~--,- -5 Date: 2025.02.19 15:31 :39 for -05'00' CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH MARK K. HELLIE Director, Division oflnjury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch, Civil Division Health Systems Bureau U.S. Department of Justice Health Resources and P.O. Box 146 Services Administration Benjamin Franklin Station U.S. Department of Health and Washington, DC 20044-0146 Human Services mark.hellie@usdoj.gov 5600 Fishers Lane,08W-25A (202) 616-4208 Rockville, MD 20857 Dated: r1 01 \I\ 3 ? C 7_<;" 1v 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-02160-cl-extra-11110329 Date issued/filed: 2025-07-29 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10643742 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-2160V CAITLIN YOHANNES, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: June 26, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Randall G. Knutson, Knutson & Casey Law Firm, Mankato, MN, for Petitioner. Mark Kim Hellie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS 1 On December 21, 2023, Caitlin Yohannes 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 alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration following an influenza vaccine she received on September 18, 2021. Petition, ECF No. 1. On March 7, 2025, I issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the parties’ stipulation. ECF No. 26. 1Because 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). Petitioner has now filed a motion for attorney’s fees and costs, requesting an award of $15,668.92 (representing $15,018.00 in fees plus $650.92 in costs). Application for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs (“Motion”) filed April 3, 2025, ECF No. 30. Furthermore, Petitioner filed a signed statement representing that no personal out-of-pocket expenses were incurred. ECF No. 30-5. Respondent reacted to the motion on April 17, 2025, indicating that he is satisfied the statutory requirements for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs are met in this case but deferring resolution of the amount to be awarded to my discretion. Motion at 2-4, ECF No. 32. Petitioner filed no reply thereafter. I have reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner’s request. In my experience, the request appears reasonable, and I find no cause to reduce the requested hours or rates. Furthermore, Petitioner has provided supporting documentation for all claimed costs. ECF No. 30-2 at 10-18. Respondent offered no specific objection to the rates or amounts sought. I find the requested costs reasonable and hereby award them in full. The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for successful claimants. Section 15(e). Accordingly, I hereby GRANT Petitioner’s Motion for attorney’s fees and costs. Petitioner is awarded attorneys’ fees and costs in the total amount of $15,668.92 (representing $15,018.00 in fees plus $650.92 in costs) to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. In the absence of a timely-filed motion for review (see Appendix B to the Rules of the Court), the Clerk of Court shall 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), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by filing a joint notice renouncing their right to seek review. 2