Court Opinion

ID: 6340169
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-05-12 17:01:36.758685+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:49:14.261551
License: Public Domain

Sn the Guited States Court of Federal Claims

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
Filed: April 27, 2022

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LISA WHITEHEAD-WILLIAMS, * No. 18-1600V
*
Petitioner, * Special Master Sanders
Vv. **
* Stipulation for Award; Influenza
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * (“Flu”) Vaccine; Transverse
AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Myelitis (“TM”)
*
Respondent. **

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John Robert Howie, Jr., Howie Law, P.C., Dallas, TX, for Petitioner.
Julia Marter Collison, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

 

DECISION!

On October 16, 2018, Lisa Whitehead-Williams (“Petitioner”) filed a petition for
compensation pursuant to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.” 42 U.S.C. §§
300aa-10 to -34 (2012); Pet. at 1, ECF No. 1. Petitioner alleged that the influenza (“flu”) vaccine
she received on October 16, 2015, caused her to develop transverse myelitis (“TM”). /d. at 1.
Petitioner further alleged that she experienced the residual effects of her injury for more than six
months. /d. at 13.

On April 26, 2022, the parties filed a stipulation in which they state that a decision should
be entered awarding compensation to Petitioner. Stip. at 2, ECF No. 52. Respondent “denies that
the flu vaccine caused [P]etitioner to suffer from TM or any other injury or her current condition.”
Id. at 1. Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation, attached hereto as Appendix A. I
find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on
the terms set forth therein.

The parties stipulate that Petitioner shall receive the following compensation:

 

' 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).

* National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755.
a. Alump sum of $153,286.96, which amount represents compensation
for first year life care expenses and pain and suffering, in the form
of a check payable to [P]etitioner;

b. A lump sum of $36,656.47,> which amount represents
reimbursement of a lien for services rendered on behalf of
[P]etitioner, in the form of check payable jointly to [P]etitioner and
the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services:

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
401 South Clinton Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Case No: 93-236-0105044151
ATTN: Megan Gilmore

Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to the Illinois Department of
Healthcare and Family Services.

c. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in
paragraph 10 [of Appendix A], 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).

Td. at 2.

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.*

IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Herbrina D. Sanders

Herbrina D. Sanders
Special Master

 

> This amount represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of
action the State of Illinois may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid payments the Illinois
Department of Healthcare and Family Services has made to or on behalf of Lisa Whitehead-Williams as a
result of her alleged vaccine-related injury following the flu vaccine administered on or about October 16,
2015, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, see 42 U.S.C. $300aa-15(g), (h).

* Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment is 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

 

 

LISA WHITEHEAD-WILLIAMS, )
)
Petitioner, )
v. )
) No. 18-1600V
SECRETARY OF HEALTH ) Special Master Sanders
AND HUMAN SERVICES, ) ECF
)
Respondent. )
)
STIPULATION

The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:

1, Lisa Whitehead-Williams, 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 the influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the
“Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a).

2. Petitioner received her flu vaccination on October 16, 2015.

3. The vaccination was administered within the United States.

4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered from transverse myelitis (“TM”) as a result of
receiving the flu vaccine, and that she experienced the residual effects of this injury for more
than six months,

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. Respondent denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner to suffer from TM or any

other injury or her current condition.
7. Maintaining 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 petitioner has 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 following vaccine compensation payments:

a. A lump sum of $153,286.96, which amount represents compensation for first year life
care expenses and pain and suffering, in the form of a check payable to petitioner;

b. A lump sum of $36,656.47,' which amount represents reimbursement of a lien for
services rendered on behalf of petitioner, in the form of a check payable jointly to
petitioner and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services:

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
401 South Clinton Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Case No: 93-236-0105044151
ATTN: Megan Gilmore

Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and
Family Services.

c. 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).

 

' This amount represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation, assignment, claim, lien,
or cause of action the State of Illinois may have against any individual as a result of any
Medicaid payments the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has
made to or on behalf of Lisa Whitehead-Williams as a result of her alleged vaccine-related
injury following the flu vaccine administered on or about October 16, 2015, under Title XIX
of the Social Security Act, see 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), (h).
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+, At+tg, Atp, A+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 petitioner, Lisa Whitehead-Williams,
pursuant to which the Life Insurance Company will agree to make payments periodically to
petitioner as follows for the following life care items available under 42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(a).

a. For future unreimbursable Medicare Part B Premium, Medigap Policy, Medicare Part
D, and Case Management expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of
judgment, an annual amount of $10,505.37 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of
judgment in year 2025. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment
in year 2025, an annual amount of $6,116.01 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner’s
life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from
the date of judgment.

b. For future unreimbursable Medicare Part B Deductible expenses, beginning on the
first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $233.00 to be paid for the
remainder of petitioner’s life, increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded
annually from the date of judgment.

c. For future unreimbursable Gym and Aqua Therapy expenses, beginning on the first
anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $300.00 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2043, increasing at the rate of three percent
(3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

d. For future unreimbursable Scooter, Scooter and Lift Maintenance, Shower Transfer
Bench, Bedside Commode, Lift Chair, Walker, Adaptive Device, Safety Bar, Medical
Alert, and Washable Incontinence Pad expenses, on the first anniversary of the date of
judgment, a lump sum of $1,159.43. Thereafter, beginning on the second anniversary of
the date of judgment, an annual amount of $1,043.43 to be paid for the remainder of
petitioner’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded
annually from the date of judgment.

e. For future unreimbursable Scooter Lift and Installation expenses, on the anniversary
of the date of judgment in year 2025, a lump sum of $1,999.00. Thereafter, beginning on
the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2026, an annual amount of $199.90 to be
paid for the remainder of petitioner’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three
percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

f. For future unreimbursable Adult Incontinence Diaper, Glove, Disposable Incontinence
Pad, and Wipe expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an
annual amount of $2,410.76 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner’s life, increasing at
the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

g. For future unreimbursable Personal Care Attendant expenses, beginning on the first
anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $21,900.00 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2030. Thereafter, beginning on the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2030, an annual amount of $43,800.00 to be
paid for the remainder of petitioner’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three
percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.
h. For future unreimbursable Hand Controls for Car expenses, on the anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2025, a lump sum of $2,600.00. Thereafter, beginning on the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2026, an annual amount of $260.00 to be paid
for the remainder of petitioner’s life, all amounts 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 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, Lisa Whitehead-Williams, 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 of Lisa Whitehead-Williams’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 petitioner has 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. 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-15(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-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 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-
15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-15(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 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-10 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 flu vaccination administered on October 16, 2015, as
alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about October 16, 2018 in
the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 18-1600V.

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 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.

20. 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.

21. This 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 alleged TM or
any other injury or her current condition.

22. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner’s
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.

END OF STIPULATION
Respectfully submitted,

PETITIONER:

 

LISA WHITEHEAD-WILLIA

ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR
PETITIONER:

Adder

R. HOWIE, JR., ESQ.
E LAW, P.C.
2608 Hibernia Street
Dallas, Texas 75204
Tel: (214) 622-6340
jhowie@howielaw.net

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH

AND HUMAN SERVICES:

George R. Grimes - Digitally signed by George R.
Grimes -S14

$14 Date: 2022.04.07 15:44:11 -04'00'

 

CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH
Director, Division of Injury
Compensation Programs
Health Systems Bureau
Health Resources and Services
Administration
U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services
5600 Fishers Lane, 08N146B
Rockville, MD 20857

Dated: OY ke kor

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL:

por thar dS wm DV

HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Deputy Director

Torts Branch

Civil Division

U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146

Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146

ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR
RESPONDENT:

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bu Cede Teen ow —-__
JULIA M. COLLISON, ESQ.
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch
Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146
Tel: (202) 305-0102