Court Opinion

ID: 4775005
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-08-18 13:03:42.292372+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:09:30.278753
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                                   OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                           No. 19-174V
                                          UNPUBLISHED

    RICHARD BOOTH,                                              Chief Special Master Corcoran

                         Petitioner,                            Filed: July 15, 2021
    v.
                                                                Special Processing Unit (SPU); Joint
    SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND                                     Stipulation on Damages; Influenza
    HUMAN SERVICES,                                             (Flu) Vaccine; Guillain-Barre
                                                                Syndrome (GBS)
                         Respondent.

Anne Carrion Toale, Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, Sarasota, FL, for petitioner.

Adriana Ruth Teitel, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

                                DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION 1

       On January 31, 2019, Richard Booth 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 he suffered a Table injury – Guillain-Barre
Syndrome (GBS) – as a result of his September 18, 2017 influneza (“flu”) vaccination.
Petition at 1-4; Stipulation, filed at July 13, 2021, ¶¶ 1-2, 4. Petitioner further alleges the
vaccine was administered within the United States, that he suffered the residual effects
of his injury for more than six months, and that there has been no prior award or
settlement of a civil action on his behalf as a result of his injury. Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-4,6;
see Petition at ¶¶ 1,10, 13-14. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of
the Office of Special Masters.

1  Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am
required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-
Government Act of 2002. 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, 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 “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa
(2012).
        On April 2, 2020, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to
compensation for GBS. Thereafter, on July 13, 2021, the parties filed the attached joint
stipulation, 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. 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 (the "Life Insurance
               Company"); and

            b. A lump sum of $279,319.64 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner.
               This amount represents compensation for all remaining damages that
               would be available under 42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(a), including
               $235,000.00 for pain and suffering, $ 12,856.64 for past unreimbursed
               medical expenses, and $31,463.00 for the first year of future
               unreimbursed medical expenses.

                Stipulation at ¶ 8.

       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 the court is directed
to 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), entry of judgment can be 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

 RICHARD BOOTH,

                        Petitioner,
                                                          No. 19-174V
                                                          Chief Special Master Corcoran (SPU)
       V.
                                                          ECF
 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
 HUMAN SERVICES,

                        Respondent.

                                         STIPULATION

The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:

        I. Petitioner Richard Booth ("petitioner") 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 an influenza ("flu') vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine

Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § I 00.3 (a).

       2. Petitioner received his flu vaccination on September 18, 2017.

       3. The vaccination was administered within the United States.

       4. Petitioner sustained the onset of Guillain-Barre Syndrome ("GBS") within the time

period set forth in the Table following administration of the flu vaccine, and experienced the

residual effects of his GBS for more than six months.

       5. There is not a preponderance of the evidence demonstrating that petitioner's GBS and

its residual effects were due to a factor unrelated to this September 18, 2017 flu vaccine.

       6. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action

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

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

Program for his GBS Table injury. Therefore, 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-21 (a)()), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue

the following vaccine compensation payments:

               a.      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"); 1 and

               b.      A lump sum of $279,319.64, in the form of a check payable to
                       petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all remaining
                       damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(a),
                       including $235,000.00 for pain and suffering, $ I 2,856.64 for past
                       unreimbursed medical expenses, and $31,463.00 for the first year
                       of future unreimbursed medical expenses.

        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, Aa I, 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.

1
 Notwithstanding references herein to "the Life Insurance Company" or "the annuity contract,"
to satisfy the conditions set forth herein, in respondent's sole and absolute discretion, respondent
may purchase one or more annuity contracts from one or more life insurance companies.

                                               2 of8
       IO. The Secretary of Health and Human Services agrees to purchase an annuity contract

from the Life Insurance Company for the benefit of petitioner, pursuant to which the Life

Insurance Company will agree to make payments periodically to petitioner for the following

items of compensation:

              a.      For future unreimbursable medical insurance expenses and
                      medical care costs, beginning on the first anniversary of the date
                      of judgment, an annual amount of $667.00 to be paid for the
                      remainder of petitioner's life, all amounts increasing at the rate of
                      five percent (5%), compounded annually from the date of
                      judgment;

               b.     For future unreimbursed physical therapy and gym membership
                      expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of
                      judgment, an annual amount of $560.00 to be paid up until the
                      anniversary of the date of judgment in the year 2033 then an annual
                      amount of $260.00 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;

              c.     For future unreimbursed medication costs, beginning on the first
                     anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $192. 77
                     to be paid for the remainder of petitioner's life, increasing at the
                     rate of four percent ( 4%), compounded annually from the date of
                     judgment;

              d.     For future unreimbursed ass1st1ve equipment, wheelchair, and
                     orthotic expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of
                     judgment, an annual amount of $165.52 to be paid up until the
                     anniversary of the date of judgment in the year 2023 then an annual
                     amount of $161.12 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;

              e.     For future unreimbursed attendant care costs, beginning on the first
                     anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of
                     $9,664.20 to be paid up until the anniversary of the date of
                     judgment in the year 2023 then an annual amount of $11,811.80 to
                     be paid up until the anniversary of the date of judgment in the year
                     2025 then an annual amount of $15,033.20 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;

                                              3 of8
        At the sole discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the periodic

payments 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 petitioner 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

petitioner'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.

        I 2. 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-2 I (a)(!), 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.

                                               4 of8
        13. Petitioner and his 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 pre-paid basis.

        14. Payments made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to

paragraph 12 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.

        15. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award

for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided

pursuant to this Stipulation either immediately or as part of the annuity contract, will be used

solely for petitioner's benefit as contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-

l 5(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-l 5(g) and (h).

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

individual capacity, and on behalf of his 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- l 0 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 influenza vaccination administered on September 18,

                                                 5 of8
2017, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on January 31, 2019,

in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 19-174V.

        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 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.

        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 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 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. The 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 injury or any

other injury or his current condition; however, petitioner has satisfied the Table criteria to

establish entitlement to compensation.

       21. Petitioner hereby authorizes respondent to disclose documents filed by petitioner 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.

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

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

                                    END OF STIPULATION

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                                               7 of8
                Respectfully :mbm.itted.

                P:ETillO:'\"I.R:

                     ~Biifd;
                Richard Booth

                ATTORNJ:Y OF RECORD                                               AUTHORIZD> R£PR£SENT..\TI\ 'E
                ,W~ PETITJ,O:'{ER:                                                OF THI. ATTORNEY GE'.'i'l:RAI.:
           ~~(for
            A'{\(\t. (. 1"""'cp.lt..)                                             ~M½-0~e~
                ANNE CARRJON TOALE                                                HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
                Maglio Cbnstoph~ & Toale. PA                                      Mfiftg Deputy Director
                1605 Main Stl«t. Suite 710                                        Torts Branch, Civil Divmon
                Sarasota. FL 34'.!36                                              U.S. Depamnent of Justice
                Td: 888-952-5242                                                  P.O. Box 146
                Email: atoaler-l_l>mctlaw.com                                     BenJaolin Franklin Station
                                                                                  Washington, DC 20044-0146

                AlTHORIZED REPRESIJ.\1.-\ID"I.                                    ATTOR.:.,'I:Y OF RECORD FOR
                OF THI. SECRETARY OF BI.,\LTH                                     RESPONDENT:
                ..\.'1\1> fil~IAN SERHCES:
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                                                                       ~1--              ~ ~~ L--Y-e~
                TAMAR.A OVERBY                                    (.,,1           ADRIANA TEITEL
                Acting Director. Division of Injury                               Tnal Attorney
                 Compensation Programs                                            Torts Branch. Civil Division
                Healthcare Systems Bureau                                         U.S. Dcp:utmc-nt of Justice
                Health Resources and Services                                     P.O. Box 146
                 Adm.ulistration                                                  Benjamin Franklin Statton
                U.S. Department of Health                                         Washington. DC' 20044-0146
                 and Human Services                                               Tel: 202-616-3677
                5600 Fishers Lane. 08N146B                                        Email: adrian.1.teitel@usdoj.gov
                Rockville. MD 20857

                Dated:     o·r /13 /2o-z, J

                                                                          s ors