Court Opinion

ID: 4565342
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-09-14 20:01:45.196135+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:43:04.532481
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                                   OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                           No. 17-0990V
                                          UNPUBLISHED

    BARBARA STOLIKER,                                           Chief Special Master Corcoran

                         Petitioner,                            Filed: August 7, 2020
    v.
                                                                Special Processing Unit (SPU);
    SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND                                     Decision Awarding Damages; Pain
    HUMAN SERVICES,                                             and Suffering; Influenza (Flu)
                                                                Vaccine; Shoulder Injury Related to
                         Respondent.                            Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

Leah V. Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for petitioner.

Alexa Roggenkamp, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

                                 DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES 1

       On July 21, 2017, Barbara Stoliker 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 she suffered a right Shoulder Injury Related to
Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccination administered
on September 30, 2014. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing
Unit of the Office of Special Masters.

      For the reasons described below, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award
of damages in the amount $121,119.77, representing compensation in the amount
of $120,000.00 for actual pain and suffering and $1,119.77 for past unreimbursable
expenses.

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   Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am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).
      I.       Relevant Procedural History 3

        As noted, this case was initiated in 2017. On August 27, 2018, Respondent filed a
Rule 4(c) report opposing compensation because there was not preponderant evidence
that Petitioner received her vaccination in the right arm or that onset of her shoulder injury
was within 48 hours of vaccination. ECF 47 at 5. Respondent also filed a motion for a
limited factual ruling to determine the arm in which Petitioner received her flu vaccination.
ECF 49. On November 9, 2018, former Chief Special Master Dorsey (to whom the case
was assigned at the time) 4 issued a fact ruling finding that Petitioner’s flu vaccination was
administered in her right arm, and that onset of her condition occurred within 48 hours.
ECF 52. Respondent subsequently filed an amended Rule 4(c) report stating that “based
on the record as it now stands . . . [R]espondent does not dispute that [P]etitioner has
satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Act.” ECF 54. A ruling finding
Petitioner entitled to compensation was issued on December 11, 2018. ECF 56.

        Shortly thereafter, Petitioner filed a motion to stay proceedings due to upcoming
shoulder surgery. ECF 63. After the stay was lifted, in June 2019, the parties attempted
to informally resolve the issue of damages but subsequently reported an impasse on the
amount of pain and suffering to be awarded (the sole disputed damages issue to be
resolved). ECF 72. After giving the parties an opportunity to file written briefs on this issue,
I scheduled this matter for an expedited hearing and ruling based upon all the evidence
filed to date and the parties’ briefing. ECF 91. The hearing was held on July 31, 2020. 5

      In her brief, Petitioner requests that I award her $170,000.00 for past and future
pain and suffering. ECF 83. Respondent proposes that I award the lesser amount of
$110,000.00. ECF 86. The parties do not dispute that $1,119.77 in actual unreimbursable
expenses should also be awarded.

      II.      Legal Standard
        Compensation awarded pursuant to the Vaccine Act shall include “[f]or actual and
projected pain and suffering and emotional distress from the vaccine-related injury, an
award not to exceed $250,000.” Section 15(a)(4). Additionally, a petitioner may recover
“actual unreimbursable expenses incurred before the date of judgment award such
expenses which (i) resulted from the vaccine-related injury for which petitioner seeks
compensation, (ii) were incurred by or on behalf of the person who suffered such injury,
and (iii) were for diagnosis, medical or other remedial care, rehabilitation . . . determined
to be reasonably necessary.” Section 15(a)(1)(B). The petitioner bears the burden of proof
with respect to each element of compensation requested. Brewer v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., No. 93-0092V, 1996 WL 147722, at *22-23 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 18,
1996).

3
    I adopt the comprehensive procedural history set forth in ECF 52.
4
 I was appointed Chief Special Master on October 1, 2019. This case was reassigned to me that same
day.
5
    The transcript from the hearing has yet to be filed, but it is incorporated by reference herein

                                                         2
       There is no mathematic formula for assigning a monetary value to a person’s pain
and suffering and emotional distress. I.D. v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 04-
1593V, 2013 WL 2448125, at *9 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 14, 2013) (“[a]wards for
emotional distress are inherently subjective and cannot be determined by using a
mathematical formula”); Stansfield v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 93-0172V,
1996 WL 300594, at *3 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 22, 1996) (“the assessment of pain and
suffering is inherently a subjective evaluation”). Factors to be considered when
determining an award for pain and suffering include: 1) awareness of the injury; 2) severity
of the injury; and 3) duration of the suffering. I.D., 2013 WL 2448125, at *9 (quoting
McAllister v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No 91-1037V, 1993 WL 777030, at *3 (Fed.
Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 26, 1993), vacated and remanded on other grounds, 70 F.3d 1240
(Fed. Cir. 1995)).

        Prior pain and suffering awards in comparable cases also bear on the resolution
herein. See, e.g., Doe 34 v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 87 Fed. Cl. 758, 768 (2009)
(finding that “there is nothing improper in the chief special master’s decision to refer to
damages for pain and suffering awarded in other cases as an aid in determining the
proper amount of damages in this case.”). And, of course, I may rely on my own
experience (along with my predecessor Chief Special Masters) adjudicating similar
claims. 6 Hodges v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 9 F.3d 958, 961 (Fed. Cir. 1993)
(noting that Congress contemplated the special masters would use their accumulated
expertise in the field of vaccine injuries to judge the merits of individual claims).

    III.    Appropriate Compensation in this SIRVA Case

       In this case, awareness of the injury is not disputed. The record reflects that at all
times, Petitioner was a competent adult with no impairments that would impact her
awareness of her injury. Therefore, I analyze principally the severity and duration of
Petitioner’s injury. In so doing, I review the record as a whole to include the medical
records and affidavits filed and all assertions made by the parties in written documents
and at the expedited hearing held on July 31, 2020. I consider prior awards for pain and
suffering in both SPU and non-SPU SIRVA cases and rely upon my experience in
adjudicating those cases. 7 However, I ultimately base my determination on the
circumstances of this case.

6
  From July 2014 until September 2015, the SPU was overseen by former Chief Special Master Vowell.
For the next four years, until September 30, 2019, all SPU cases, including the majority of SIRVA claims,
were assigned to former Chief Special Master Dorsey, now Special Master Dorsey. In early October 2019,
the majority of SPU cases were reassigned to me as the current Chief Special Master.
7
 Statistical data for all SIRVA cases resolved in SPU from inception through January 2020 as well as a
brief description of any substantive decisions can be found in the following decisions: Vinocur v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., No. 17-0598V, 2020 WL 1161173 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Jan. 31, 2020); Wilt v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 18-0446V, 2020 WL 1490757 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Feb. 24, 2020);
Smallwood v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 18-0291V, 2020 WL 2954958 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr.
Apr. 29, 2020).

                                                     3
       Petitioner’s SIRVA, plus her related treatment and recovery, was consistent with
that experienced by many other petitioners who also required surgery after their injury.
Approximately two weeks after receiving the flu vaccine on September 30, 2014,
Petitioner presented to her primary care provider (PCP) with complaints of right shoulder
pain “since receiving flu shot.” Ex 2 at 12. Physical examination (PE) revealed tenderness
to palpation (TTP) in the posterior deltoid. Id. After three months, Petitioner’s pain had not
resolved, and she was referred for physical therapy (PT), which she began in January
2015. Ex 2 at 37. During six PT sessions from January to March 2015, Petitioner
displayed “moderate weakness,” “deficits” in her range of motion (ROM), and TTP. Ex 2
at 37, 39 and Ex 4 at 121-131. Petitioner was discharged from PT secondary to failure to
schedule future appointments. Ex 4 at 132.

       Because Petitioner continued to complain of right shoulder pain, she underwent
an MRI in June 2015, which showed findings of (1) thinning of the infraspinatus tendon
and (2) a possible partial undersurface tear of the infraspinatus. Ex 2 at 26. Petitioner was
subsequently referred to an orthopedist, Dr. Thomas Wu. At Petitioner’s initial
appointment on November 30, 2015, PE revealed slightly decreased strength and positive
impingement sign. Ex 3 at 2. She was diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear, but Dr. Wu
reported that Petitioner did “not feel that her symptoms [we]re significant enough for [a
cortisone injection or surgery].” Id.

       The record then reflects an almost three-year gap in treatment for Petitioner’s
shoulder – and this gap bears on the magnitude of pain and suffering to be awarded in
this case. 8 On July 18, 2018, Petitioner reported right shoulder pain during an
appointment with her PCP, and she was referred to another orthopedist, Dr. Craig Zeman.
Ex 9 and Ex 10 at 4. Examination by Dr. Zeman on July 20, 2018 revealed decreased
ROM, TTP, and positive impingement, and Petitioner was diagnosed with bursitis. Ex 9
at 11-13. These records do not explain the reason for this delay in treatment.

       Dr. Zeman subsequently performed a corticosteroid injection into the
acromioclavicular (AC) joint and subacromial space in September 2018. 9 Ex 9 at 6.
Petitioner also underwent an MRI arthrogram of the right shoulder in February 2019,
which showed mild to moderate tendinosis with a small articular surface tear of the distal
infraspinatus. 10 Ex 11 at 6.

8
 Petitioner occasionally visited her PCP during this time but did not complain of shoulder pain at these
appointments. See Ex 2, Ex 5, and Ex 10.
9
 Petitioner alleges that she had a second corticosteroid injection in December 2018; however, a detailed
review of the notes from the December appointment reflect that Dr. Zemen is referencing Petitioner’s
history of receiving an injection in September 2018. There is no indication that Dr. Zemen performed a
second injection at the December 2018 appointment. Ex 11 at 1-4.
10
  The MRI also showed osteoarthritis of the AC joint. Neither Petitioner nor Petitioner’s physicians have
attributed Petitioner’s arthritis to her SIRVA. See, e.g., Ex 11 at 40.

                                                     4
       One month later, Petitioner underwent shoulder surgery. 11 Ex 11 at 19. Petitioner
subsequently attended nine post-surgical PT sessions and was discharged in May 2019,
when she reported she “[was] doing well.” Id at 41. At follow-up visits with Dr. Zemen in
May and December 2019, PE did show TTP, slightly decreased strength, and positive
impingement; however, she had resumed physical activities. Id. at 38 and Ex 13 at 1-2.
She returned to Dr. Zemen in January 2020 after experiencing a flare of her symptoms
while swimming. Ex 15 at 1. However, these symptoms subsided over the course of a
week and Petitioner has received no further treatment since February 2020. Ex 15.

         In her affidavits, Petitioner alleges that she spent multiple years in pain and lives
in fear that her pain will return. Ex 6, Ex 14, and Ex 16. Prior to surgery, she had
difficulty getting dressed and using the computer, was unable to swim or otherwise
exercise, and could not lift her infant grandson. Id. She also reports that she was only
able to sleep on her left side for five years, which has changed the physical appearance
of her face. Id.

       As I informed the parties during the expedited hearing, 12 the question in this case
is not whether Petitioner is entitled to any compensation for her pain and suffering, but
rather what amount of compensation is justified, based upon the facts of the case and
considered relevant input. This determination is not an exact science but more of an art.
While it is tempting to “split the difference” and award an amount halfway between the
amounts proposed by the parties (acknowledging that in this case, the parties’ respective
positions reasonably “frame” high and low potential awards), each petitioner deserves an
examination of the specific facts in his or her case. Thus, while amounts ultimately
awarded may end up falling somewhere in the range between the awards proposed by
both parties, this result flows from a specific analysis of Ms. Stoliker’s personal
circumstances.

      Overall, I find that the proper pain and suffering award for this case should fall
somewhere above the median amount typically awarded in SIRVA cases that result in
surgery. Ms. Stoliker’s pain and suffering were overall more significant than most, but not
so egregious as to justify an award at the level proposed by Petitioner.

      Petitioner argues that her case is comparable to Reed, where the petitioner was
awarded $160,000.00 in pain and suffering. 13 However, while the facts in Reed are
analogous to Petitioner’s case (mainly in that both petitioners experienced improvement

11
  Specifically, arthroscopy with excision of the distal end of the clavicle, excision of the os acromiale,
debridement of the glenohumeral joint, subacromial decompression, and partial acromioplasty. Ex 11 at
19.
12
  An official recording of the proceeding was taken by court reporter, and a link to instructions on the
court’s website detailing how to order a certified transcript or audio recording of the proceeding can be
found in the minute entries for this proceeding. Minute Entry, dated July 31, 2020; see also
www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/trans (last visited July 9, 2020).
13
   Reed v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 16-1670V, 2019 WL 1222925 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Feb.
1, 2019).

                                                     5
after surgery), Ms. Reed rated her pain as 6-9/10 for six months, whereas Petitioner’s
symptoms were consistently described as mild to moderate. Furthermore, Ms. Reed
displayed severely limited ROM and attended more than 30 sessions of PT over 12
months, while Petitioner attended only 15 sessions over five months. Ms. Reed also
continued to see a pain management physician two-and-a-half years after her surgery.
Petitioner, by contrast, was only taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications as
needed within six months of her surgery. Petitioner also alleges that her case is similar to
Reed because both petitioners found their ability to perform childcare limited by their
injury – but the cases are not truly comparable on this issue. As previously noted,
Petitioner was unable to lift and carry her infant grandson, while Ms. Reed was a single
mother to an eight-year-old.

       Another factor suggesting that the pain and suffering award herein should be less
than demanded by Petitioner is the significant, 3.5-year gap in her treatment, since it
suggests an injury mild enough to tolerate for a long period of time. Treatment gaps are
“a relevant consideration in determining the degree of Petitioner’s pain and suffering.”
Dirksen v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 16-1461V, 2018 WL 6293201, at *9-10
(Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Oct. 18, 2018). Petitioner did not complain of shoulder pain from
December 2015 to mid-July 2018, despite opportunities to do so at various visits to her
PCP. She also declined cortisone injections and surgery when offered by Dr. Wu in
November 2015.

       Petitioner boldly asserts the contrary, arguing that the treatment gap actually
supports a higher award than in Reed, because she lived with the pain far longer (given
that the petitioner in Reed underwent surgery within six months of injury). However, this
argument is facially unpersuasive. The fact that Petitioner’s injury did not merit more
invasive treatment on a shorter timeframe undercuts her allegations of its severity, and
therefore supports a lesser pain and suffering award than Petitioner requests.

       Respondent, by contrast, references Knudson 14 in his brief to support a lower
award, but it too presents inapposite facts. The petitioner’s pain in that case had virtually
resolved after only seven months. Even discounting Petitioner’s gap in treatment, she
received active treatment for approximately two years total, and her pain and suffering
award should account for that time, even if treatment was voluntarily delayed.

        In actuality, the factual circumstances in Petitioner’s case are more similar to those
in Wallace. 15 As with Petitioner, the Wallace petitioner received active treatment for
variable symptoms over the course of approximately two years. He had two cortisone
injections and attended multiple courses of physical therapy, and he also experienced
significant improvement after surgery. Additionally, while the petitioner in Cooper 16 did

 Knudson v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 17-1004V, 2018 WL 6293381 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr.
14

Nov 7, 2018) (awarding $110,000.00 for pain and suffering).
15
  Wallace v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 16-1472V, 2019 WL 4458393 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr.
June 27, 2019) (awarding $125,000.00 in pain and suffering).
16
   Cooper v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 16-1387V, 2018 WL 6288181, at *13 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Nov. 7, 2018) (awarding $110,000.00 in pain and suffering).

                                                 6
not undergo surgery, the court found that Ms. Cooper’s opting for conservative treatment
(as Petitioner did in 2015) and treatment gaps justified reducing her award for pain and
suffering. The same approach is justified under the facts of Ms. Stoliker’s case.

       Accordingly, I find an award of $120,000.00 is appropriate for Petitioner’s pain and
suffering.

     IV.    Conclusion

       For all of the reasons discussed above and based on consideration of the record
as a whole, I find that $120,000.00 represents a fair and appropriate amount of
compensation for Petitioner’s actual pain and suffering. 17 I also find that Petitioner
is entitled to $1,119.77 in actual unreimbursable expenses.

       Accordingly, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $121,119.77 in the form
of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages
that would be available under § 15(a).

       The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this
decision. 18

IT IS SO ORDERED.

                                         s/Brian H. Corcoran
                                         Brian H. Corcoran
                                         Chief Special Master

17
  Since this amount is being awarded for actual, rather than projected, pain and suffering, no reduction to
net present value is required. See § 15(f)(4)(A); Childers v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 96-0194V,
1999 WL 159844, at *1 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 5, 1999) (citing Youngblood v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., 32 F.3d 552 (Fed. Cir. 1994)).
18
   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.

                                                     7