Court Opinion

ID: 2758969
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-12-09 21:01:27.803267+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:26:10.404596
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                              OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

*************************
ADEM BILALI, an infant by his mother *
and natural guardian, KARINA TORRES, *
                                     *                      No. 13-716V
                      Petitioner,    *                      Special Master Christian J. Moran
                                     *
v.                                   *
                                     *                      Filed: November 12, 2014
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                  *
AND HUMAN SERVICES,                  *                      Dismissal; Hepatitis B;
                      Respondent.    *                      Pneumococcal vaccines.
*************************

Craig A. Post, Barr & Haas, Spring Valley, NY for petitioner.
Alexis B. Babcock, United States Dep’t of Justice, Washington, D.C., for respondent.

            UNPUBLISHED DECISION DENYING COMPENSATION 1

       Karina Torres filed a petition under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act,
42 U.S.C. §300aa—10 et seq., on behalf of Adem Bilali on September 23, 2013. Her
petition alleged that her minor child, Adem, suffered an adverse reaction, as a result of
the hepatitis B and pneumococcal vaccinations received on April 27, 2011. The
information in the record, however, does not show entitlement to an award under the
Program.

           I.   Procedural History

        On September 23, 2013, Ms. Torres, on behalf of her minor child, Adem Bilali,
filed a petition alleging that Adem’s injuries were caused in fact by the pneumococcal
and hepatitis B vaccines he received on August 27, 2011. No medical records were filed
with the petition as required by 42 U.S.C. § 300aa—11(c).

       On October 31, 2013, a status conference was held. During the status conference,
the parties discussed petitioner’s medical records and petitioner’s expert report. The
       1
          The E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (Dec. 17,
2002), 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.
undersigned advised the petitioner to file a supplemental expert report. Respondent noted
the previous case law in regards to seizures disorders and SCN1A gene mutations.
Petitioner continued to postpone the filing of their outstanding medical records.

       On April 25, 2014, Petitioner’s counsel moved for a 30 day suspension because of
the review of recent Federal Circuit decisions. The undersigned granted the stay and
scheduled another status conference.

        On October 21, 2014, Ms. Torres on behalf of Adem, moved for a decision
dismissing her petition. They noted that “[a]n investigation of the facts and science
supporting their case has demonstrated . . . that they will be unable to prove that they are
entitled to compensation.” Mot. for a Decision Dismissing Petition at ¶ 1.

        II.   Analysis

        To receive compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program, petitioners must prove either 1) that the vaccinee suffered a “Table Injury” –
i.e., an injury falling within the Vaccine Injury Table – corresponding to one of the
vaccinee’s vaccinations, or 2) that the vaccinee suffered an injury that was actually
caused by a vaccine. See §§ 300aa—13(a)(1)(A) and 300aa—11(c)(1). An examination
of the record did not uncover any evidence that Adem suffered a “Table Injury.” Further,
the record does not contain a medical expert’s opinion or any other persuasive evidence
indicating that Adem’s injuries were vaccine-caused.

       Under the Act, petitioners may not be given a Program award based solely on the
petitioners’ claims alone. Rather, the petition must be supported by either medical
records or by the opinion of a competent physician. § 300aa—13(a)(1). In this case,
because the medical records do not support Ms. Torres’ claim, a medical opinion must be
offered in support. Ms. Torres’ expert opinion was not sufficient. Accordingly, it is clear
from the record in this case that she has failed to demonstrate either that Adem suffered a
“Table Injury” or that Adem’s injuries were “actually caused” by a vaccination.

     Thus, this case is dismissed for insufficient proof. The Clerk shall enter
judgment accordingly.

        Any questions may be directed to my law clerk, Christina Gervasi, at (202) 357-
6521.
        IT IS SO ORDERED.

                                                  s/Christian J. Moran
                                                  Christian J. Moran
                                                  Special Master

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