Court Opinion

ID: 4663756
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-03-01 17:02:05.040424+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:02:30.259244
License: Public Domain

Sn the Cnited States Court of Federal Claiung

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
Filed: February 2, 2021

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
BRIANNA RICH and JEFFREY RICH, *
as parents and natural guardians of *
S.G.R., a minor child, * UNPUBLISHED
*
Petitioners, * No. 18-353V
*
v. * Special Master Dorsey
*
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Decision Based on Stipulation; Diphtheria-
AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Tetanus-Acellular-Pertussis (“DTap”)
* Vaccine; Measles Mumps Rubella (“MMR”)
Respondent. * Vaccine; Localization-Related Epilepsy.
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Diana Lynn Stadelnikas, Maglio Christopher and Toale, PA, Sarasota, FL, for petitioner.
Lara Ann Englund, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

DECISION BASED ON STIPULATION!

On March 7, 2018, Brianna Rich and Jeffrey Rich (“petitioners”), as parents and natural
guardians of S.G.R., a minor, filed a petition in the National Vaccine Injury Program? alleging
that as a result of a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular-pertussis (“DTaP”) vaccine and a measles
mumps rubella (“MMR”) vaccine S.G.R. received on April 17, 2015, she suffers from
localization-related epilepsy. Petition at 1-2 (ECF No. 1).

 

' Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the
undersigned is 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, the undersigned
agrees that the identified material fits within this definition, the undersigned will redact such
material from public access.

? The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is set forth in Part 2 of the National
Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755, codified as amended,
42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to -34 (2012) (“Vaccine Act” or “the Act’). All citations in this Decision
to individual sections of the Vaccine Act are to 42 U.S.C.A. § 300aa.

1
On February 2, 2021, the parties filed a stipulation recommending an award of
compensation to petitioner. Stipulation (ECF No. 56). Respondent denies that the DTaP and
MMR vaccines or any other vaccine caused S.G.R. to suffer from localization-related epilepsy or
any other injury or her current condition. Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation,
attached hereto as Appendix A. The undersigned finds the stipulation reasonable and adopts 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:

(1) A lump sum of $295.84, which amount represents reimbursement of a lien for
services rendered on behalf of S.G.R. by Presbyterian Centennial Care under
contract with the State of New Mexico, in the form of a check payable jointly to
petitioners and Presbyterian Centennial Care, and mailed to:

Presbyterian Centennial Care
P.O. Box 27489

Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489
Tax ID#: XX-XXXXXXX

Member ID #: 105557349-00

Petitioners agree to endorse this check to Presbyterian Centennial Care.
(2) 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”).

This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Stipulation at { 8.

The undersigned approves 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/Nora B. Dorsey
Nora B. Dorsey

Special Master

 

3 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

 

BRIANNA RICH and JEFFREY RICH, )
as parents and natural guardians of )
S.G.R., a minor child, )
)
Petitioners, )
)
Vv. ) No. 18-353V

) Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey
SECRETARY OF )
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
)

 

STIPULATION

The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:

1. On behalf of their daughter, S.G.R., petitioners Brianna Rich and Jeffrey Rich
(“petitioners”) filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury
Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10 to 34 (the “Vaccine Program”). The petition seeks
compensation for injuries allegedly related to S.G.R.’s receipt of the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular
pertussis (“DTaP”) and/or measles-mumps-rubella (“MMR”) vaccines, which vaccines are
contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a).

2. S.G.R. received DTaP and MMR vaccines on April 17, 2015.

3. The vaccines were administered within the United States.

4. Petitioners allege that the DTaP and MMR vaccines caused S.G.R. to suffer from
localization-related epilepsy, and that S.G.R. experienced residual effects of this injury for more
than six months.

5. Petitioners represent that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action

for damages on behalf of S.G.R. as a result of her condition.
6. Respondent denies that the DTaP and MMR vaccines or any other vaccine caused
S.G.R. to suffer from localization-related epilepsy 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 petitioners have filed an election to reccive compensation
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the following vaccine compensation payment for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. §300aa-15(a):

a. A lump sum of $295.84, which amount represents reimbursement of a lien for services

rendered on behalf of S.G.R. by Presbyterian Centennial Care under contract with the

State of New Mexico, in the form of a check payable jointly to petitioners and

Presbyterian Centennial Care, and mailed to:

Presbyterian Centennial Care
P.O. Box 27489
Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489
Tax ID #: XX-XXXXXXX
Member ID #: 105557349-00

Petitioners agree to endorse this check to Presbyterian Centennial Care.

b. 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”).

9. The Life Insurance Company must have a minimum of $250,000,000.00 capital and
surplus, exclusive of any mandatory security valuation reserve. The Life Insurance Company
must have one of the following ratings from two of the following rating organizations:

a. A.M. Best Company: A++, A+, Atg, Atp, Atr, or A+s;

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

2
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 S.G.R., pursuant to which the Life Insurance
Company will agree to make certain lump sum payments to S.G.R. for all other damages that
would be available under 42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(a), as follows:

a. $26,740.56 payable in a certain lump sum on June 16, 2032.

b. $29,646.30 payable in a certain lump sum on June 16, 2036.

¢c. $33,779.74 payable in a certain lump sum on June 16, 2041.

The payments provided for in this paragraph 10 shall be made as set forth above. Should S.G.R.
predecease any of the certain lump sum payments set forth above, any remaining certain lump
sum payments shall be made to her estate. Written notice to the Secretary of Health and Human
Services and to the Life Insurance Company shall be provided within twenty (20) days of
S.G.R.’s death.

11. The annuity contract will be owned solely and exclusively by the Secretary of Health
and Human Services and will be purchased as soon as practicable following the entry of a
judgment in conformity with this Stipulation. The parties stipulate and agree that the Secretary
of Health and Human Services and the United States of America are not responsible for the
payment of any sums other than the amounts set forth in paragraph 8 herein and the amounts
awarded pursuant to paragraph 12 herein, and that they do not guarantee or insure any of the
future annuity payments. Upon the purchase of the annuity contract, the Secretary of Health and
Human Services and the United States of America are released from any and all obligations with

respect to future annuity payments.
12. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and
after petitioners have filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to
42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings
before the special master to award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in proceeding
upon this petition.

13. Petitioners and their attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to
this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable
under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be
expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or
State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.

§ 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.

14. Payments made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to
paragraph 12 of this Stipulation will be made 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 unreimbursed expenses, the money provided
pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of S.G.R. as contemplated by a
strict construction of 42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-15(g) and (h).

16. Petitioners represent that they presently are, or within 90 days of the date of
judgment will become, duly authorized to serve as guardians/conservators of S.G.R.’s estate

under the laws of the State of New Mexico.
17, In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 12, petitioners, in their
individual capacities and as legal representatives of S.G.R., on behalf of themselves, S.G.R., and
her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, do forever irrevocably and
unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and
Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments,
claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that
have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal
Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300 aa-10 et
Seq., On account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or
unsuspected personal injuries to or death of S.G.R. resulting from, or alleged to have resulted
from, the vaccinations administered on April 17, 2015, as alleged by petitioners in a petition for
vaccine compensation filed on or about March 7, 2018, in the United States Court of Federal
Claims as petition No. 18-353V,

18. If S.G.R. should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable
upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.

19. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms
of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a
decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties’
settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.

20. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and
damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except
as otherwise noted in paragraph 12 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the

parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated
and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this
Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties’ respective positions as to liability and/or
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the
items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement.

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

22. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that the DTaP and/or MMR vaccines caused S.G.R. to
suffer localization-related epilepsy or any other injury or condition.

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

END OF STIPULATION
Respectfully submitted,

PETITIONER:

( ME

YEFFREY RICH

 

AUTHORIZED REPRSENTATIVE
OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL:

: Ho bib wt Cec LAD—

HEATHER L. PEARLMAN

 

Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA Acting Deputy Director

1605 Main Strect, Suite 710 Torts Branch

Sarasota, FL 34236 Civil Division

Tel: (941) 952-5242 U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146

Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR
OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT:
AND HUMAN SERVICES:

L cere A emnaqky acl
CAPT Dale Vthuskler, PXf'Se, for on ecb Cea Ln

 

TAMARA OVERBY LARA A. ENGLUND
Acting Director, Division of Injury Senior Trial Attorney
Compensation Programs Torts Branch

Healthcare Systems Bureau Civil Division

U.S. Department of Health U.S. Department of Justice
and Human Services P.O. Box 146

5600 Fishers Lane Benjamin Franklin Station
Parklawn Building, Mail Stop 11C-26 Washington, DC 20044-0146
Rockville, MD 20857 Tel: (202) 307-3013

Dated: 02 Joz/ 202)