Court Opinion

ID: 4436831
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-09-10 16:02:06.016037+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:24:50.101834
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                             OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                      Filed: August 23, 2019

*************************
TAHLIA SPECTOR, M.D.,                     *     No. 15-401V
                                          *
                      Petitioner,         *     Special Master Sanders
v.                                        *
                                          *
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                       *     Stipulation for Award; Influenza (“flu”)
AND HUMAN SERVICES,                       *     Vaccine; Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine
                                          *     Administration (“SIRVA”)
                      Respondent.         *
*************************
William I. Goldsmith, Goldsmith & Hull, APC, Northridge, CA, for Petitioner.
Glenn A. MacLeod, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

                                            DECISION1

        On April 21, 2015, Tahlia Spector, M.D. (“Petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation
pursuant to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.2 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to -34
(2012). Petitioner alleged that the influenza (“flu”) vaccine she received on September 19, 2013,
caused her to suffer a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”). See Stip.
at 1, ECF No. 80. Petitioner further alleged that she experienced the residual effects of his injury
for more than six months. Id.

        On November 19, 2015, Special Master Hamilton-Fieldman issued a ruling on entitlement,
finding that Petitioner was entitled to an award of compensation for her left SIRVA claim. Id. at
2; see also ECF No. 22. On August 19, 2019, the parties filed a stipulation, attached hereto as
Appendix A, in which they concede that a decision should be entered awarding compensation to
Petitioner. Stip. at 2. I find the terms of the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as the decision of
the Court in awarding damages.

1
  This decision shall be posted on the website of the United States Court of Federal Claims, in
accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, § 205, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913
(codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012)). This means the Decision will be
available to anyone with access to the Internet. As provided by Vaccine Rule 18(b), each party
has 14 days within which to request redaction “of any information furnished by that party: (1) that
is a trade secret or commercial or financial in substance and is privileged or confidential; or (2)
that includes medical files or similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of privacy.” Vaccine Rule 18(b).
2
    National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755.
       The parties stipulate that Petitioner shall receive the following compensation:

               A lump sum of $812,741.95, which amount represents compensation for
               first year life care expenses ($18,777.36), lost earnings ($550,000.00),
               pain and suffering ($165,000.00), and past unreimbursable expenses
               ($78,964.59), in the form of a check payable to petitioner; [and] . . . [a]n
               amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract described in
               Paragraph 10 [of the Stipulation], paid to the life insurance company
               from which the annuity will be purchased . . . .

Id.

       I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. Accordingly, an award
should be made consistent with the stipulation.

       In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of
Court SHALL ENTER JUDGMENT in accordance with the terms of the parties’ stipulation.3

       IT IS SO ORDERED.

                                                     s/Herbrina D. Sanders
                                                     Herbrina D. Sanders
                                                     Special Master

3
 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment is expedited by the parties’ joint filing of
notice renouncing the right to seek review.

                                                 2
                IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
                           OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

*************************
                                                *
TAHLIA SPECTOR, M.D.,                           *
                                                *
                        Petitioner,             *
                                                *
v.                                              *      No. 15·-401V (ECF)
                                                *      Special Master Sanders
                                                •
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                             *
AND HUMAN SERVICES,                             *
                                                *
                        Respondent.             *
*************************
                                          STIPULATION

       The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:

       I. Petitioner, Tahlia Spector, M.D., 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 the quadrivalent influenza ("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 on or about September 19, 2013.

       3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.

       4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine

administration ("SIRVA") as a consequence of the flu immunization she received on or about

September 19, 2013, and further alleges that she suffered the residual effects of this injury for

more than six months.

                                               Page 1 of7
       5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action

for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition.

       6.   On November 19, 2015, the Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement, finding

petitioner entitled to receive an award of compensation for her left SIRVA as a result of the

September 19, 2013, flu vaccination.

       7. Accordingly, petitioner is entitled to receive compensation under the terms of the

Vaccine Program. Therefore, a decision should be entered awarding compensation described in

paragraph 8 of this Stipulation.

       8. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment 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-2l(a)(I), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue

the following vaccine compensation payments:

       a. A lump sum of $812,741.95, which amount represents compensation for first year life
       care expenses ($18,777.36), lost earnings ($550,000.00), pain and suffering
       ($165,000.00), and past unreimbursable expenses ($78,964.59), in the fonn of a check
       payable to petitioner;

       b. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in paragraph I0
       below, paid to the life insurance company from which the annuity will be purchased
       (the "Life Insurance Company").

       9. The Life Insurance Company must have a minimum of $250,000,000 capital and

surplus, exclusive of any mandatory security valuation reserve. The Life Insurance Company

must have one of the following ratings from two of the following rating organizations:

       a.      A.M. Best Company: A++, A+, A+g, A+p, A+r, or A+s;

       b.      Moody's Investor Service Claims Paying Rating: Aa3, Aa2, Aal, or Aaa;

       c.      Standard and Poor's Corporation Insurer Claims-Paying Ability Rating: AA-,
               AA, AA+, or AAA;

                                            Page 2 of7
       d.     Fitch Credit Rating Company, Insurance Company Claims Paying Ability Rating:
              AA", AA, AA+, or AAA.

       I0. The Secretary of Health and Human Services agrees to purchase an annuity contract

from the Life Insurance Company for the benefit of petitioner, Tahlia Spector, M.D., pursuant to

which the Life Insurance Company will agree to make payments periodically to petitioner as

follows:

       a. For future unreimbursable Medicare Part B Deductible expenses, beginning on the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2034, an annual amount of $185.00 to be paid
       for the remainder of petitioner's life, increasing at the rate of five percent (5%),
       compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       b. For future unreimbursable Tylenol, Portable Shopping Cart, Tempurpedic Pillow,
       Buckingham Bra, TENS, Neck Ultrasound, Pad for TENS, Hot/Cold Pack, and
       Psychological Counseling expenses, on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, a
       lump sum of$1,462.70. Then, beginning on the second anniversary of the date of
      judgment, an annual amount of $382.70 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of
      judgment in year 2024. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2024, a
       lump sum of $922. 70. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in
       year 2025, an annual amount of $382.70 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of
      judgment in year 2029. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2029, a
     _ lump sum of$922.70. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in
       year 2030, an annual amount of $382.70 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of
      judgment in year 2034. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2034, a
       lump sum of $682.70. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment
       in year 2035, an annual amount of $382. 70 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner's
       life, all arriounts increasing at the rate of four percent (4%), compounded annually from
       the date of judgment.

       c. For future unreimbursable Physical Therapy expenses, beginning on the anniversary of
       the date of judgment in year 2021, an annual amount of $280.00 to be paid up to the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2034. Thereafter, beginning on the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2035, an annual amount of$56.00 to be paid
       for the remainder of petitioner's life, all amounts increasing at the rate of four percent
       (4%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       d. For future unreimbursable Physical Therapy, Myofascial Release/Massage/Pilates, and
       Ancillary Service expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an
       annual amount of$ I2,037.40 to be paid up to the second anniversary of the date of
       judgment. Then, beginning on the second anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual
       amount of $5,917.40 to be paid up to the third anniversary of the date of judgment. Then,
       beginning on the third anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of

                                           Page 3 of7
       $1,117.40 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2039.
       Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2039, an annual
       amount of $517 .40 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner's life, all amounts increasing
       at the rate of four percent (4%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

At the sole discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the periodic payments set

forth in paragraph 10 above may be provided to petitioner in monthly, quarterly, annual or other

installments. The "annual amounts" set forth above describe only the total yearly sum to be paid

to petitioner and do not require that the payment be made in one annual installment. Petitioner

will continue to receive the annuity payments from the Life Insurance Company only so long as

she, Tahlia Spector, M.D., is alive at the time that a particular payment is due. Written notice

shall be provided to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Life Insurance

Company within twenty (20) days ofTahlia Spector, M.D.'s death.

        11. The annuity contract will be owned solely and exclusively by the Secretary of Health

and Human Services and will be purchased as soon as practicable following the entry of a

judgment in conformity with this Stipulation. The parties stipull:lte and agree that the Secretary

of Health and Human Services and the United States of America are not responsible for the

payment of any sums other than the amounts set forth in paragraph 8 herein and the amounts

awarded pursuant to paragraph 12 herein, and that they do not guarantee or insure any of the

future annuity payments. Upan the purchase of the annuity contract, the Secretary of Health and

Human Services and the United States of America are released from any and all obligations with

respect to future annuity payments.

        12. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment 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

                                            Page 4 of7
before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding

upon this petition.

        13. Petitioner and her attorney represent that they have identified to respondent all

known sources of payment for items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable

under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- l 5(g), including 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 entities that provide health services on a prepaid basis.

        14. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation and any amounts awarded

pursuant to paragraph 12 will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject to the

availability of sufficient statutory funds.

        15. 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-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C.

§ 300aa- l S(g) and (h).

        16. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 12, petitioner, in her

individual capacity, and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and 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 United States 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

                                              Page 5 of7
 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 or

 about September 19, 2013, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed

· on or about April 21, 2015, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 15-

 401 V.

          17. 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.

          18. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms

 of this Stipulation or if the United States Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in

 confonnity 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.

          19. 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 12 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the

 parties hereto to make any payment or 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 the 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.

          20. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's

 heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.

                                       END OF STIPULATION

                                              Page 6 of7
Respectfully submitted,

PETITIONER:

 .-f.w,:,_, 'tfJ_'7.b6
TAHLIA SPECrc:, M.D.,

                                                     AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATI E
                                                     OF HE ATTORNEY GENERAL

                 LDSMITH, ESQ.                         ,........:"--""INE E. REEVES
GOLDSMIT & HULL, APC                                 Deputy Director
I 6933 Parthe ia Street, Suite I IO                  Torts Branch
Northridge, C 91343                                  Civil Division
Tel: (818) 990 6600                                  U.S. Department of Justice
                                                     P. 0. Box 146
                                                     Benjamin Franklin Station
                                                     Washington, D.C. 20044-0146

AUTHORIZED REP~SENTATIVE OF                          ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND                          RESPONDENT:
HUMAN SERVICES:

TAMARA OVERBY
Acting Director, Division of Injury                  Senior Trial Counse
Compensation Programs                                Torts Branch, Civil Division
Healthcare Systems Bureau                            U.S. Department of Justice
Health Resources and Services Administration         P.O. Box 146
U.S. Department of Health                            Benjamin Franklin Station
and Human Services                                   Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
5600 Fishers Lane                                    Tel: (202) 616-4122
Parklawn Building, Stop-08Nl46B
Rockville, MD 20857

Dated:   i( I'ti~
                                        Page 7 of7