Court Opinion

ID: 4995161
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-09-28 13:01:52.830141+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:16:49.864656
License: Public Domain

Sn the Guited States Court of Federal Clanns

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 15-1166V
Filed: August 31, 2021
UNPUBLISHED

 

RICHARD C. ZUG and LAURA C.
ZUG, on behalf of T.E.Z.

Joint Stipulation on Damages;
Diphtheria Tetanus Acellular
Pertussis (“DTaP”): Gastroparesis

Petitioners,
V.

SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,

Respondent.

 

 

John Alan Jones, Matrin & Jones, PLLC, Raleigh, NC, for petitioner.
Camille Collett, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION '

On October 9, 2015, petitioners filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,? (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioners allege that T.E.Z. suffered from gastroparesis as a result of
his October 12, 2012 diphtheria tetanus acellular pertussis (“DTaP”) vaccination.
Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed August 31, 2021, at 9/4. Petitioners further allege that
T.E.Z. has experienced residual effects of his alleged injury for longer than six months
and that they have never received compensation in the form of an award or settlement
of a civil action for damages for his vaccine-related injury. Petition at 4; Stipulation at Tf]
4-5. “Respondent denies that the vaccine caused T.E.Z. to suffer from gastroparesis or
any other injury or his current condition.” Stipulation at ¥] 6.

Nevertheless, on August 31, 2021, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation,
stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. | find the stipulation

 

1 Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for the special master’s action in this case, it will
be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims’ website in accordance with the E-Government
Act of 2002. See 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (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 the special master, upon review, agrees that the identified material fits within this definition, it will be
redacted 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 “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).
reasonable and adopt it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms
set forth therein.

Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, | award the following
compensation:

A lump sum of $270, 045.99 in the form of a check payable to petitioners
as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of T.E.Z. for the benefit of
T.E.Z. Stipulation at J 8. This amount represents compensation for first
year life care expenses ($75,045.99) and pain and suffering
($195,000.00). /d. No payments shall be made until petitioners provide
respondent with documentation establishing that they have been
appointed as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of T.E.Z.’s estate. /d.

A lump sum of $37, 883.20, which amount represents compensation for
past unreimbursable expenses, in the form of a check payable to
petitioners, Richard C. Zug and Laura C. Zug. /d.

A lump sum of $105, 177.96, which amount represents reimbursement of
a Medicaid lien for services rendered on behalf of T.E.Z., in for the form of
a check payable jointly to petitioners and the North Carolina Division of
Health Benefits, and mailed to:

Office of the Controller
2022 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2022
Case Number: 25816

Petitioners agree to endorse this check to the North Carolina Division of
Health Benefits. /d.

An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in
paragraph 10 of the attached Stipulation, paid to the life insurance
company from which the annuity will be purchased. /d.

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 of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.*

IT 1S SO ORDERED.

s/Daniel T. Horner
Daniel T. Horner
Special Master

 

? 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.
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

 

 

RICHARD C. ZUG and LAURA C. ZUG, )
on behalf of TEZ, )
)
Petitioners, ) No. 15-1166V
) Special Master Daniel Horner

V. ) ECF
)
)
SECRETARY OF HEALTH )
AND HUMAN SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
)

STIPULATION

The parties hereby stipulate to the followmg matters:

1. On behalf of their son, TEZ, petitioners 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 TEZ’s
receipt of the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (“DTaP”) vaccine, which vaccine is
contamed in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a).

2. TEZ received his immunization on October 12, 2012.!

3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.

4. Petitioners allege that TEZ suffered from gastroparesis as a result of receiving the

vaccine, and that he experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months.

 

' He received multiple vaccines on this date, including hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae type
B, influenza, inactivated poliovirus, pneumococcal conjugate, and rotavirus. No claims were
made with respect to these vaccines.
5. Petitioners represent that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action
for damages on behalf of TEZ as a result of his condition.

6. Respondent denies that the vaccine caused TEZ to suffer from gastroparesis or any
other injury or his current condition.

7. Maintainmg 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 petitioners have filed an election to receive compensation
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the folowmg vaccine compensation payments:

a. A lump sum of $270,045.99, which amount represents compensation for first year life
care expenses ($75,045.99), pain and suffering ($195,000.00), in the form of a check
payable to petitioners as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of TEZ for the benefit of
TEZ. No payments shall be made until petitioners provide respondent with
documentation establishing that they have been appointed as guardian(s)/conservator(s)
of TEZ’s estate;

b. A lump sum of $37,883.20, which amount represents compensation for past
unreimbursable expenses, in the form of a check payable to petitioners, Richard C. Zug
and Laura C. Zug;

c. Alump sum of $105,177.96, which amount represents reimbursement of a Medicaid
lien for services rendered on behalf of TEZ, in the form of a check payable jointly to
petitioners and the North Carolina Division of Health Benefits, and mailed to:

Office of the Controller
2022 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2022

Case Number: 258616

Petitioners agree to endorse this check to the North Carolina Division of Health Benefits.
d. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in paragraph 10

below, paid to the life insurance company from which the annuity will be purchased (the

“Life Insurance Company’’).

These amounts represent compensation for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. §300aa-15(a).

9. The Life Insurance Company must have a minimum of $250,000,000.00 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, At+p, At+r, or Ats;

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;

d. Fitch Credit Rating Company, Insurance Company Claims Paying Ability Rating:
AA-, AA, AA+, or AAA.

10. The Secretary of Health and Human Services agrees to purchase an annuity contract
from the Life Insurance Company for the benefit of TEZ, pursuant to which the Life Insurance
Company will agree to make payments periodically to petitioners, as the court-appointed
guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of TEZ for the followmg items of compensation:

a. For future unreimbursable Insurance Premium expenses, begining on the anniversary
of the date of judgment in year 2034, an annual amount of $981.00 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2038, increasing at the rate of four percent
(4%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

b. For future unreimbursable Health Insurance Maximum-out-of-Pocket and Prescription
Insurance Maximum-Out-Of-Pocket expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the
date of judgment, an annual amount of $4,500.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2038. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of
judgment in year 2038, an annual amount of $6,750.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2077, all amounts increasing at the rate of four percent (4%),
compounded annually from the date of judgment.
c. For future unreimbursable Medicare Part B Deductible expenses, beginning on the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2077, an annual amount of $203.00 to be paid
for the remainder of TEZ’s life, increasing at the rate of four percent (4%), compounded
annually from the date of judgment.

d. For future unrembursable Medigap and Medicare Part D expenses, beginning on the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2077, an annual amount of $2,524.42 to be
paid for the remainder of TEZ’s life, increasing at the rate of four percent (4%),
compounded annually from the date of judgment.

e. For future unreimbursable Case Manager and Backpack for Feeding Equipment
expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of
$1,225.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2031.
Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2031, an annual
amount of $325.00 to be paid for the remainder of TEZ’s life, all amounts increasing at
the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

f. For future unreimbursable Star Clinic Feeding Therapy expenses, beginning on the first

anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $1,950.00 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2029, increasing at the rate of three percent

(3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.
g. For future unreimbursable Certified Nursing Assistant expenses, beginning on the first
anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $65,520.00 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2029, increasing at the rate of three percent
(3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.
h. For future unreimbursable Probiotic, Liquigen, Ducocal, and Liquid Vitamin expenses,
beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of
$1,400.99 to be paid for the remainder of TEZ’s life, increasing at the rate of three
percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.
At the sole discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the periodic payments may
be provided to the petitioners in monthly, quarterly, annual, or other installments. The “annual
amounts” set forth above describe only the total yearly sum to be paid to the petitioners and do
not require that the payment be made in one annual installment. The petitioners will continue to
receive the annuity payments from the Life Insurance Company only so long as TEZ is alive at

the time that a particular payment is due. Written notice to the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, and the Life Insurance Company shall be provided within twenty (20) days of TEZ’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 stipulate 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. Upon 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 petitioners have filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to
42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), 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.

13. Petitioners and their 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-15(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.
14. Payments made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to
paragraph 12 of this Stipulation will be made m accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i),
subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.

15. The parties and ther attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award
for attorneys’ fees and litigation costs, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be
used solely for the benefit of TEZ 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).

16. Petitioners represent that they presently are, or within 90 days of the date of
judgment will become, duly authorized to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of TEZ’s estate
under the laws of the State of North Carolina. No payments pursuant to this Stipulation shall be
made until petitioners provide the Secretary with documentation establishing their appointment
as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of TEZ’s estate. If petitioners are not authorized by a court of
competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of TEZ at the time a
payment pursuant to this Stipulation is to be made, any such payment shall be paid to the party or
parties appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of
the estate of TEZ upon submission of written documentation of such appointment to the
Secretary.

17. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 12, petitioners, in their
individual capacities and as legal representatives of TEZ, on behalf of themselves, TEZ, and his
heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, do 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. § 300 aa-10 et
seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or
unsuspected personal myuries to or death of TEZ resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from
the vaccimations administered on October 12, 2012, as alleged by petitioners in a petition for
vaccine compensation filed on or about October 9, 2015, in the United States Court of Federal
Claims as petition No. 15-1166V.

18. If TEZ 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.

19. 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.

20. 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 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.
21. Petitioners hereby authorize respondent to disclose documents filed by petitioners in
this case consistent with the Privacy Act and the routine uses described in the National Vaccine
Injury Compensation Program System of Records, No. 09-15-0056.

22. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that the vaccine caused TEZ to suffer from
gastroparesis or any other injury or condition.

23. All rights and obligations of petitioners hereunder shall apply equally to petitioners’
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns as legal representatives of TEZ

END OF STIPULATION
 

 

 

Respectiully submitted.

PETITIONER:

AL Co

RICILARD ©. ZUG

 

PEYITIONER:

     

MARTIN & JONES, PREC

4140 Parkloke Avenue. Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27612

Tek (919) 897-7501

E-maik jajaim-jcom

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES:

Dale Uhahblar, DN Se, WS, APRA, f*

 

TAMARA OVERBY
Acting Director, Division of Injury
Compensation Programs
Healthcare Systems Bureau
Health Resources and Services
Administration
U.S. Department of Health
and Eluman Services
S000 Fishers Lane. O8N 1468
Rockville, MD 20837

Dated: _oglzilzoz fo

 

AUTITORIZED REPRSENTATIVE
OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL:

WS Pe en ty.
HEATHER LL. PEARLMAN
Deputy Director
Torts Branch
Civil Division
US. Deparunent of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Staton
Washington. DC 20044-0146

ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR

RESPONDENT:
Comte H thor
bu Ned L
CAMILLE M. COLLETT
Tritl Attorney
Torts Branch
Civil Division
U.S, Departument of Justice
P.O. Bow 146
Bengintin Franklin Station
Washington. DC 20044-0146
Tek (202) 616-4098
E-mail: Camille M-Collettcusdoj. gov

Pew