Court Opinion

ID: 4409577
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-06-24 17:02:22.379735+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:52:51.898595
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                              OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                       No. 15-1016V
                                    Filed: May 29, 2019
                                    Not to be Published

*************************************
MARYELLEN KOTTENSTETTE and                 *
NICHOLAS KOTTENSTETTE,                     *
as best friends of their daughter (CK)     *                    Damages decision based on proffer
                                           *
                Petitioners,               *
                                           *
 v.                                        *
                                           *
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                        *
AND HUMAN SERVICES,                        *
                                           *
                Respondent.                *
                                           *
*************************************
John F. McHugh, New York, NY, for petitioner.
Camille Collett, Washington, DC, for respondent.

MILLMAN, Special Master

                            DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1

       On September 11, 2015, petitioners filed a petition under the National Childhood Vaccine
Injury Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10–34 (2012), alleging that diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis
(“DTaP”), haemophilus B influenza (“HiB”), inactivated polio vaccine (“IPV”), and
pneumococcal (“Prevnar”) vaccines administered to their daughter CK on October 2, 2012,

1
 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the special master’s
action in this case, the special master intends to post this unpublished decision on the United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.
Vaccine Rule 18(b) states that all decisions of the special masters will be made available to the
public unless they contain trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged
and confidential, or medical or similar information whose disclosure would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of privacy. When such a decision is filed, petitioners have 14 days to
identify and move to redact such information prior to the document’s disclosure. If the special
master, upon review, agrees that the identified material fits within the banned categories listed
above, the special master shall redact such material from public access.
caused her a Table encephalopathy or, in the alternative, a non-Table encephalopathy, and
infantile spasms. On December 12, 2017, the undersigned ruled for petitioners on entitlement.

        On May 29, 2019, respondent filed Respondent’s Proffer on Award of Compensation.
The undersigned finds the terms of the proffer to be reasonable. Based on the record as a whole,
the undersigned finds that petitioner is entitled to the award as stated in the proffer. Pursuant to
the terms stated in the attached proffer, the undersigned awards the following:

    a. a lump sum payment of $1,046,521.75, representing trust seed funds consisting of the
       present year cost of compensation for residential facility expenses in Compensation Year
       2077 through Compensation Year 2081 ($939,875.00) and life care expenses in the first
       year after judgment ($106,646.75), in the form of a check payable to Regions Bank, as
       Trustee of the Grantor Reversionary Trust established for the benefit of CK, as set forth
       in the attached Appendix A;
    b. a lump sum payment of $1,132,020.68, representing compensation for lost future
       earnings ($882,020.68) and pain and suffering ($250,000.00), in the form of a check
       payable to petitioners as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of CK, for the benefit of CK, in
       accordance with the terms set out in the attached proffer;
    c. a lump sum payment of $12,698.57, representing compensation for past unreimbursable
       expenses, in the form of a check payable to petitioners, Maryellen Kottenstette and
       Nicholas Kottenstette;
    d. a lump sum payment of $15,528.38, representing compensation for satisfaction of the
       Commonwealth of Massachusetts Medicaid lien, payable jointly to petitioners and
                            Commonwealth of Massachusetts – CRU
                                  COMMONWEALTH OF MA
                                        Casualty Recovery
                                        P.O. Box 417811
                                    Boston, MA 02241-7811
                                      Attn: Alicia Villagran
                                       SSN: XXXXX9919
    e. an amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in section E of the
       attached proffer.

       In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the clerk of
the court is directed to enter judgment herewith.2

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: May 29, 2019                                       /s/ Laura D. Millman
                                                            Laura D. Millman
                                                            Special Master

2
  Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by each party, either separately or
jointly, filing a notice renouncing the right to seek review.
                                                    2
                 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
                               OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
__________________________________________
                                               )
MARYELLEN KOTTENSTETTE and                     )
NICHOLAS KOTTENSTETTE as best                  )
friends of their daughter (CK),                )
                                               )
                       Petitioners,            )
                                               )
        v.                                     )   No. 15-1016V
                                               )   Special Master Millman
SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF                 )
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,                     )
                                               )
                       Respondent.             )
__________________________________________)

               RESPONDENT'S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION

I.       Items of Compensation

         A.       Life Care Items

         The respondent engaged life care planner, Laura Fox, MSN, BSN, RN, CDDN, CLCP,

and petitioners engaged Bala Care Nursing Solutions, to provide an estimation of CK’s future

vaccine-injury related needs. For the purposes of this proffer, the term “vaccine related” is as

described in the Special Master’s Ruling on Entitlement, filed December 12, 2017. All items of

compensation identified in the life care plan are supported by the evidence, and are illustrated by

the chart entitled Appendix A: Items of Compensation for CK, attached hereto as Tab A. 1

         1
           The chart at Tab A illustrates the annual benefits provided by the life care plan. The annual benefit years
run from the date of judgment up to the first anniversary of the date of judgment, and every year thereafter up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment.

                                                         -1-
Respondent proffers that CK should be awarded all items of compensation set forth in the life

care plan and illustrated by the chart attached at Tab A. 2 Petitioners agree.

         B.       Lost Future Earnings

         The parties agree that based upon the evidence of record, CK will not be gainfully

employed in the future. Therefore, respondent proffers that CK should be awarded lost future

earnings as provided under the Vaccine Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(3)(B). Respondent

proffers that the appropriate award for CK's lost future earnings is $882,020.68. Petitioners

agree.

         C.       Pain and Suffering

         Respondent proffers that CK should be awarded $250,000.00 in actual pain and suffering.

See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioners agree.

         D.       Past Unreimbursable Expenses

         Evidence supplied by petitioners document their expenditure of past unreimbursable

expenses related to CK's vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioners should be

awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $12,698.57. Petitioners agree.

         E.       Medicaid Lien

         Respondent proffers that CK should be awarded funds to satisfy a Commonwealth of

Massachusetts lien in the amount of $15,528.38, which represents full satisfaction of any right of

subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

2
  The parties have no objection to the proffered award of damages. Assuming the Special Master issues a damages
decision in conformity with this proffer, the parties intend to waive their right to seek review of such damages
decision, recognizing that respondent reserves his right, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(f), to seek review of the
Special Master’s December 12, 2017, decision finding CK entitled to an award under the Vaccine Act. This right
accrues following entry of judgment.

                                                         -2-
may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid payments the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts has made to or on behalf of CK from the date of her eligibility for benefits

through the date of judgment in this case as a result of her vaccine-related injury suffered on or

about October 2, 2012, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.

II.      Form of the Award

         The parties recommend that the compensation provided to CK should be made through a

combination of lump sum payments and future annuity payments as described below, and request

that the Special Master's decision and the Court's judgment award the following: 3

         A. A lump sum payment of $1,046,521.75, representing trust seed funds consisting of

the present year cost of compensation for residential facility expenses in Compensation Year

2077 through Compensation Year 2081 ($939,875.00) and life care expenses in the first year

after judgment ($106,646.75), in the form of a check payable to Regions Bank, as Trustee of the

Grantor Reversionary Trust established for the benefit of CK, as set forth in Appendix A: Items

of Compensation for CK;

         B. A lump sum payment of $1,132,020.68, representing compensation for lost future

earnings ($882,020.68) and pain and suffering ($250,000.00), in the form of a check payable to

petitioners as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of CK, for the benefit of CK. No payments shall be

made until petitioners provide respondent with documentation establishing that they have been

appointed as the guardian(s)/conservator(s) of CK’s estate. If petitioners are not authorized by a

         3
            Should CK die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate
relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future medical expenses, future lost earnings, and
future pain and suffering.

                                                         -3-
court of competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of CK, any

such payment shall be made to the party or parties appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction

to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of CK upon submission of written

documentation of such appointment to the Secretary.

        C. A lump sum payment of $12,698.57, representing compensation for past

unreimbursable expenses, in the form of a check payable to petitioners, Maryellen Kottenstette

and Nicholas Kottenstette.

        D. A lump sum payment of $15,528.38 representing compensation for satisfaction of the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Medicaid lien, payable jointly to petitioners and

                                Commonwealth of Massachusetts – CRU
                                   COMMONWEALTH OF MA
                                       Casualty Recovery
                                        P.O. Box 417811
                                     Boston, MA 02241-7811
                                      Attn: Alicia Villagran
                                       SSN: XXXXX9919

Petitioners agree to endorse this payment to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

        E. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract, 4 subject to the conditions

described below, that will provide payments for the life care items contained in the life care plan,

as illustrated by the chart at Tab A attached hereto, paid to the life insurance company 5 from

   4
     In respondent’s discretion, respondent may purchase one or more annuity contracts from one or more life
insurance companies.
   5
     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. CK Best Company: A++, A+, A+g, A+p, A+r, or A+s;

                 b. Moody's Investor Service Claims Paying Rating: Aa3, Aa2, Aa1, or Aaa;

                                                       -4-
which the annuity will be purchased. 6 Compensation for Year Two (beginning on the first

anniversary of the date of judgment) and all subsequent years shall be provided through

respondent's purchase of an annuity, which annuity shall make payments directly to the trustee

only so long as CK is alive at the time a particular payment is due. At the Secretary's sole

discretion, the periodic payments may be provided to the trustee in monthly, quarterly, annual or

other installments. The "annual amounts" set forth in the chart at Tab A describe only the total

yearly sum to be paid to the trustee and do not require that the payment be made in one annual

installment.

                  1.       Growth Rate

         Respondent proffers that a four percent (4%) growth rate should be applied to all non-

medical life care items, and a five percent (5%) growth rate should be applied to all medical life

care items. Thus, the benefits illustrated in the chart at Tab A that are to be paid through annuity

payments should grow as follows: four percent (4%) compounded annually from the date of

judgment for non-medical items, and five percent (5%) compounded annually from the date of

judgment for medical items. Petitioners agree.

                  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.
   6
     Petitioners authorize the disclosure of certain documents filed by the 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.

                                                          -5-
               2.      Life-Contingent Annuity

         The trustee will continue to receive the annuity payments from the Life Insurance

Company only so long as CK is alive at the time that a particular payment is due. Written notice

shall be provided to the trustee and the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Life

Insurance Company within twenty (20) days of CK’s death.

               3.      Guardianship

       No payments shall be made until petitioners provide respondent with documentation

establishing that they have been appointed as the guardian(s)/conservator(s) of CK’s estate. If

petitioners are not authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as

guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of CK, any such payment shall be made to the party or

parties appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of

the estate of CK upon submission of written documentation of such appointment to the

Secretary.

III.   Summary of Recommended Payments Following Judgment

       A.      Lump Sum paid to Regions Bank, as Trustee of the Grantor
               Reversionary Trust for the benefit of CK:                           $1,046,521.75

       B.      Lump Sum paid to the court-appointed guardian(s)/
               conservator(s) of the estate of CK for the benefit of CK:           $1,132,020.68

       C.      Past unreimbursable expenses payable to petitioners:                $    12,698.57

       D.      Medicaid Lien:                                                      $    15,528.38

       E.      An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described
               above in section II. E.

                                                -6-
                   Respectfully submitted,

                   JOSEPH H. HUNT
                   Assistant Attorney General

                   C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
                   Acting Director
                   Torts Branch, Civil Division

                   CATHARINE E. REEVES
                   Deputy Director
                   Torts Branch, Civil Division

                   ALEXIS B. BABCOCK
                   Assistant Director
                   Torts Branch, Civil Division

                   /s/Camille M. Collett
                   CAMILLE M. COLLETT
                   Senior Trial Attorney
                   Torts Branch, Civil Division
                   U. S. Department of Justice
                   P.O. Box l46, Benjamin Franklin Station
                   Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
                   Direct dial: (202) 616-4098

Dated: 5/29/2019

                     -7-
                                                      Appendix A: Items of Compensation for CK                                                  Page 1 of 4

                                      Lump Sum
                                     Compensation    Compensation   Compensation   Compensation   Compensation   Compensation   Compensation      Compensation
ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M          Year 1        Years 2-6       Year 7         Year 8        Years 9-10      Year 11       Years 12-15       Years 16-19
                                         2019         2020-2024        2025           2026         2027-2028        2029         2030-2033         2034-2037
Preferred Blue MOP          5%            3,000.00       3,000.00       3,000.00       3,000.00       3,000.00       3,000.00        3,000.00          3,000.00
Preferred Blue Rx MOP       5%            1,000.00       1,000.00       1,000.00       1,000.00       1,000.00       1,000.00        1,000.00          1,000.00
Insurance Premium           5%
Medicare Premium            5%
Medicare Deductible         5%   *
Medigap                     5%
Medicare Part D             5%
Specialist Care             5%   *
Diagnostic Studies          5%   *
ABA Therapy                 4%   *
Case Mngt                   4%            3,288.00       3,288.00       3,288.00       3,288.00       3,288.00       3,288.00       3,288.00           1,644.00
Keppra                      5%   *
Onfi                        5%   *
Diazepam                    5%   *
Sabril                      5%   *
Vit B6                      4%   *
Formula                     4%   *
Ensure                      4%   *
Briefs                      4%            1,368.75       1,368.75       1,368.75       1,368.75       1,368.75       1,368.75       1,368.75           1,368.75
Gloves                      4%              131.00         131.00         131.00         131.00         131.00         131.00         131.00             131.00
Wipes                       4%              357.00         357.00         357.00         357.00         357.00         357.00         357.00             357.00
Bed Underpads               4%              161.00         161.00         161.00         161.00         161.00         161.00         161.00             161.00
Soft Helmet                 4%              126.00         126.00          63.00          63.00          63.00          63.00          63.00              63.00
Hospital Bed                4%   *
Padding for Bed Rails etc   4%                                                           130.00          43.33          43.33          43.33              43.33
Manual WC                   4%   *
Maint for Bed               4%   *
WC Maint                    4%              200.00         200.00         200.00         200.00         200.00         200.00         200.00             200.00
Van Conversion              4%           22,477.00                                                                  22,477.00
Van Maint                   4%              450.00         450.00         450.00         450.00         450.00         450.00         450.00             450.00
Home Mods                   0%           15,000.00
                                                        Appendix A: Items of Compensation for CK                                                           Page 2 of 4

                                      Lump Sum
                                     Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Compensation      Compensation
ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M          Year 1         Years 2-6         Year 7           Year 8          Years 9-10        Year 11         Years 12-15       Years 16-19
                                         2019          2020-2024          2025             2026           2027-2028          2029           2030-2033         2034-2037
Adult Day Program              4%                                                                                                                               27,750.00
Attendant Care                 4%        59,088.00        59,088.00        59,088.00        59,088.00        59,088.00        59,088.00        59,088.00        73,200.00
Trust Seed/ Residential Care   4%       939,875.00
Lost Future Earnings                    882,020.68
Pain and Suffering                      250,000.00
Past Unreimbursable Expenses             12,698.57
MA Medicaid Lien                         15,528.38
Annual Totals                         2,206,769.38        69,169.75        69,106.75        69,236.75        69,150.08        91,627.08        69,150.08       109,368.08
                                    Note: Compensation Year 1 consists of the 12 month period following the date of judgment.
                                    Compensation Year 2 consists of the 12 month period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of judgment.
                                    As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to Regions Bank, Trustee of the
                                    Grantor Reversionary Trust established for the benefit of CK for trust seed funds ($939,875.00) and Year 1 life care
                                    expenses ($106,646.75): $1,046,521.75.
                                    As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the court-appointed guardian(s)/
                                    conservator(s) of CK for lost future earnings ($882,020.68) and pain and suffering ($250,000.00): $1,132,020.68.
                                    As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to petitioners, Maryellen Kottenstette
                                    and Nicholas Kottenstette, as reimbursement for past unreimbursable expenses: $12,698.57.
                                    As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment jointly to
                                    petitioners and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as reimbursement of the Commonwealth's Medicaid lien: $15,528.38.
                                    Annual amounts payable through an annuity for future Compensation Years follow the anniversary of the date of judgment.
                                    Annual amounts shall increase at the rates indicated in column "G.R." above, compounded annually from the date of judgment.
                                    Items denoted with an asterisk (*) covered by health insurance and/or Medicare.
                                    Items denoted with an "M" payable in twelve monthly installments totaling the annual amount indicated.
                                                      Appendix A: Items of Compensation for CK                                                  Page 3 of 4

                                     Compensation   Compensation   Compensation    Compensation   Compensation   Compensation   Compensation
ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M         Year 20        Year 21       Years 22-23     Years 24-29    Years 30-58    Years 59-63   Years 64-Life
                                        2038           2039         2040-2041       2042-2047      2048-2076      2077-2081      2082-Life
Preferred Blue MOP          5%           3,000.00       3,000.00        3,000.00
Preferred Blue Rx MOP       5%           1,000.00       1,000.00        1,000.00
Insurance Premium           5%           3,074.24       3,074.24        3,074.24
Medicare Premium            5%                                                         1,626.00       1,626.00       1,626.00       1,626.00
Medicare Deductible         5%   *
Medigap                     5%                                                         2,372.88       2,372.88       2,372.88       2,372.88
Medicare Part D             5%                                                         1,399.44       1,399.44       1,399.44       1,399.44
Specialist Care             5%   *
Diagnostic Studies          5%   *
ABA Therapy                 4%   *
Case Mngt                   4%           1,644.00       1,644.00       1,644.00        1,644.00
Keppra                      5%   *
Onfi                        5%   *
Diazepam                    5%   *
Sabril                      5%   *
Vit B6                      4%   *                                                        99.00          99.00          99.00          99.00
Formula                     4%   *
Ensure                      4%   *                                                     3,650.00       3,650.00       3,650.00       3,650.00
Briefs                      4%           1,368.75       1,368.75       1,368.75        1,368.75       1,368.75       1,368.75       1,368.75
Gloves                      4%             131.00         131.00         131.00          131.00
Wipes                       4%             357.00         357.00         357.00          357.00
Bed Underpads               4%             161.00         161.00         161.00          161.00         161.00         161.00         161.00
Soft Helmet                 4%              63.00          63.00          63.00           63.00          63.00          63.00          63.00
Hospital Bed                4%   *
Padding for Bed Rails etc   4%              43.33          43.33          43.33           43.33
Manual WC                   4%   *
Maint for Bed               4%   *
WC Maint                    4%             200.00         200.00         200.00
Van Conversion              4%                         22,477.00
Van Maint                   4%             450.00         450.00         450.00          450.00
Home Mods                   0%
                                                        Appendix A: Items of Compensation for CK                                                          Page 4 of 4

                                    Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Compensation
ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M        Year 20          Year 21         Years 22-23      Years 24-29      Years 30-58      Years 59-63     Years 64-Life
                                       2038             2039           2040-2041        2042-2047        2048-2076        2077-2081        2082-Life
Adult Day Program              4%      27,750.00        27,750.00        27,750.00        27,750.00
Attendant Care                 4%      73,200.00        73,200.00        73,200.00        73,200.00
Trust Seed/ Residential Care   4%                                                                          187,975.00               -        187,975.00
Lost Future Earnings
Pain and Suffering
Past Unreimbursable Expenses
MA Medicaid Lien
Annual Totals                          112,442.32       134,919.32       112,442.32       114,315.40       198,715.07        10,740.07       198,715.07
                                    Note: Compensation Year 1 consists of the 12 month period following the date of judgment.
                                    Compensation Year 2 consists of the 12 month period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of judgment.
                                    As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to Regions Bank, Trustee of the
                                    Grantor Reversionary Trust established for the benefit of CK for trust seed funds ($939,875.00) and Year 1 life care
                                    expenses ($106,646.75): $1,046,521.75.
                                    As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the court-appointed guardian(s)/
                                    conservator(s) of CK for lost future earnings ($882,020.68) and pain and suffering ($250,000.00): $1,132,020.68.
                                    As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to petitioners, Maryellen Kottenstette
                                    and Nicholas Kottenstette, as reimbursement for past unreimbursable expenses: $12,698.57.
                                    As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment jointly to
                                    petitioners and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as reimbursement of the Commonwealth's Medicaid lien: $15,528.38.
                                    Annual amounts payable through an annuity for future Compensation Years follow the anniversary of the date of judgment.
                                    Annual amounts shall increase at the rates indicated in column "G.R." above, compounded annually from the date of judgment.
                                    Items denoted with an asterisk (*) covered by health insurance and/or Medicare.
                                    Items denoted with an "M" payable in twelve monthly installments totaling the annual amount indicated.