In the United States Court of Federal Claims

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ANNE ABBOTT, *

on behalf of her minor child, R.A., *

* No. 14-907V

Petitioner, * Special Master Christian J. Moran

*

v. * Filed: July 19, 2021

*

SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Stipulation; measles-mumps-rubella 

AND HUMAN SERVICES, * (“MMR”) vaccine; encephalitis.

*

*

Respondent. *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Andrew D. Downing, Van Cott & Talamante, PLLC, Phoenix, AZ, for Petitioner;

Ida Nassar, United States Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

UNPUBLISHED DECISION1

On July 13, 2021, the parties filed a joint stipulation concerning the petition 

for compensation filed by Anne Abbott on September 26, 2014. In the petition, 

petitioner alleged that the measles-mumps-rubella (“MMR”) vaccine, which is

contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a), and 

which R.A.received on June 12, 2012, caused R.A. to suffer from encephalitis. 

Petitioner also notes that R.A. received a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis 

vaccine the same day. Petitioner further allege that R.A. suffered the residual 

effects of this injury for more than six months. Petitioner representthat there has 

been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on R.A.’s behalf as 

a result of R.A.’s condition.

1 The E-Government Act, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and 

Promotion of Electronic Government Services), requires that the Court post this decision on its 

website. Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 18(b), the parties have 14 days to file a motion proposing 

redaction of medical information or other information described in 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(d)(4). 

Any redactions ordered by the special master will appear in the document posted on the website.
2

Respondent denies that the vaccines either caused R.A. to suffer from 

encephalitis or any other injury or her current condition. 

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:

a. A lump sum payment of $622,315.00, which amount represents 

compensation for first-year life care expenses ($22,315.85) and 

combined lost future earnings and pain and suffering ($600,000.00), 

in the form or a check payable to petitioner as guardian//conservator 

of the estate of R.A. for the benefit of R.A. No payments shall be 

made until petitioner provides respondent with documentation 

establishing that she has been appointed as guardian/conservator of 

R.A.’s estate; 

b. A lump sum payment of $33,092.64, which amount represents 

compensation for past unreimbursable expenses, in the form of a 

check payable to petitioner, Anne Abbott; and

c. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in 

paragraph 10 of the stipulation, paid to the life insurance company 

from which the annuity will be purchased.

These amounts represent 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

 

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.
3

IT IS SO ORDERED.

s/Christian J. Moran

Christian J. Moran

Special Master