Court Opinion

ID: 4188750
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-07-24 16:02:49.215289+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:56:11.444633
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                                 OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                           No. 14-235V
                                       Filed: June 28, 2017
                                       Not for Publication

*************************************
LISA BROWN and CHRISTOPHER                 *
BROWN, as Parents and Natural Guardians *
of Z.B., an Infant,                        *
                                           *
          Petitioners,                     *               Damages decision based on the
                                           *               parties’ stipulation; opsoclonus
 v.                                        *               myoclonus syndrome (“OMS”);
                                           *               pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                        *
AND HUMAN SERVICES,                        *
                                           *
          Respondent.                      *
                                           *
*************************************
Mark T. Sadaka, Englewood, NJ, for petitioners.
Voris E. Johnson, Washington, DC, for respondent.

MILLMAN, Special Master

                              DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES 1

        On June 28, 2017, the parties filed the attached stipulation in which they agreed to settle
this case and described the settlement terms. Petitioners allege that their daughter, Z.B, suffered
opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (“OMS”) caused by her May 3, 2011 receipt of pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine. Respondent denies that the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine caused Z.B. to
suffer from OMS, its residual effects, or any other injury. Nonetheless, the parties agreed to

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  Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the special master’s action in this
case, the special master intends to post this unpublished decision on the United States Court of Federal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). 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, petitioner has 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.
resolve this matter informally.

        The undersigned finds the terms of the stipulation to be reasonable. The court adopts the
parties’ stipulation, attached, and awards compensation in the amount and on the terms set forth
in the stipulation. Pursuant to the stipulation, the court awards:

    a. a lump sum of $170,000.00, representing compensation for first year life care expenses
       ($13,018.18) and pain and suffering ($156,981.82). This payment shall be made in the
       form of a check payable to petitioners as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of Z.B.
       for the benefit of Z.B.; and

    b. a lump sum of $25,000.00, representing compensation for past unreimbursable expenses.
       The award shall be in the form of a check made payable to petitioners, Lisa Brown and
       Christopher Brown; and

    c. an amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in paragraph 10 of the
       attached stipulation.

       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: June 28, 2017                                                       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
__________________________________________
                                               )
LISA BROWN and CHRISTOPHER BROWN,              )
as the parents and natural guardians of        )
Z.B., an infant,                               )
                                               )
                       Petitioners,            )
                                               )   No. 14-235V (ECF)
v.                                             )   Special Master Millman
                                               )
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                            )
AND HUMAN SERVICES,                            )
                                               )
                       Respondent.             )
__________________________________________)

                                         STIPULATION

       The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:

       1. Lisa and Christopher Brown (“petitioners”), on behalf of their daughter, Z.B., 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 Z.B.’s receipt of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which vaccine is

contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a).

       2. Z.B. received the pneumococcal vaccine on May 3, 2011.

       3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.

       4. Petitioners allege that Z.B. suffers from opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (“OMS”) as

a result of receiving the vaccine.

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

for damages on behalf of Z.B. as a result of her condition.
        6. Respondent denies that the vaccine caused Z.B. to suffer from OMS, its residual

effects, or any other injury.

        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 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 $170,000.00, which amount represents compensation for first year life
        care expenses ($13,018.18) and pain and suffering ($156,981.82), in the form of a check
        payable to petitioners as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of Z.B. for the benefit of
        Z.B. No payments shall be made until petitioners provide respondent with
        documentation establishing that they have been appointed as guardian(s)/conservator(s)
        of Z.B.’s estate;

        b. A lump sum of $25,000.00, which amount represents compensation for past
        unreimbursable expenses, in the form of a check payable to petitioners, Lisa Brown and
        Christopher Brown;

        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”).

        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+, A+g, A+p, A+r, or A+s;

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

        c.      Standard and Poor’s Corporation Insurer Claims-Paying Ability Rating: AA-,
                AA, AA+, or AAA;

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       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 Z.B., pursuant to which the Life Insurance

Company will agree to make payments periodically to petitioners, as the court-appointed

guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of Z.B. for the following items of compensation:

       a. For future unreimbursable Medicare Part B Deductible expenses, beginning on the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2073, an annual amount of $183.00 to be paid
       for the remainder of Z.B.’s life, increasing at the rate of five percent (5%), compounded
       annually from the date of judgment.

       b. For future unreimbursable Medicare Part D expenses, beginning on the anniversary of
       the date of judgment in year 2073, an annual amount of $472.20 to be paid for the
       remainder of Z.B.’s life, increasing at the rate of five percent (5%), compounded annually
       from the date of judgment.

       c. For future unreimbursable Neurologist and Ritalin expenses, beginning on the first
       anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $520.00 to be paid up to the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2030. Then, beginning on the anniversary of
       the date of judgment in year 2030, an annual amount of $1,173.75 to be paid up to the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2073. Thereafter, beginning on the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2073, an annual amount of $121.60 to be paid
       for the remainder of Z.B.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of five percent (5%),
       compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       d. For future unreimbursable Neuropsychological Evaluation, Behavioral Therapist
       Evaluation, Behavioral Therapy/Counseling, Summer Program, Music Therapy, and
       Social Skills Therapy expenses, on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, a lump
       sum of $5,700.83. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2019, a lump
       sum of $2,050.83. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year
       2020, an annual amount of $2,135.83 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of
       judgment in year 2022. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2022, a
       lump sum of $2,375.83. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in
       year 2023, an annual amount of $2,625.83 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of
       judgment in year 2025. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2025, a
       lump sum of $1,830.83. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2026, a
       lump sum of $1,115.83. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2027, a
       lump sum of $850.83. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028, a
       lump sum of $543.33. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2029, a
       lump sum of $13.33, all amounts increasing at the rate of four percent (4%), compounded
       annually from the date of judgment.

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         e. For future unreimbursable Driver Evaluation expenses, on the anniversary of the date
         of judgment in year 2024, a lump sum of $117.50, increasing at the rate of four percent
         (4%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

         f. For future unreimbursable Vocational Evaluation expenses, on the anniversary of the
         date of judgment in year 2025, a lump sum of $4,481.00, increasing at the rate of four
         percent (4%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

         g. For future unreimbursable Tutoring expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the
         date of judgment, an annual amount of $2,320.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of the
         date of judgment in year 2027, increasing at the rate of four percent (4%), compounded
         annually from the date of judgment.

         h. For future unreimbursable Case Management expenses, beginning on the first
         anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $2,328.00 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 $1,164.00 to be
         paid for the remainder of Z.B.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of four percent
         (4%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

At the sole discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the periodic payments may

be provided to the petitioners in monthly, quarterly, annual or other installments. The “annual

amounts” set forth above describe only the total yearly sum to be paid to the petitioners and do

not require that the payment be made in one annual installment. The petitioners will continue to

receive the annuity payments from the Life Insurance Company only so long as Z.B. 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 Z.B.’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

                                                  4
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, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be

used solely for the benefit of Z.B. 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

                                                   5
judgment will become, duly authorized to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of Z.B.’s estate

under the laws of the State of Connecticut. No payments pursuant to this Stipulation shall be

made until petitioners provide the Secretary with documentation establishing their appointment

as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of Z.B.’s estate. If petitioners are not authorized by a court of

competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of Z.B. at the time a

payment pursuant to this Stipulation is to be made, any such payment shall be paid to the party or

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

the estate of Z.B. upon submission of written documentation of such appointment to the

Secretary.

       17. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 12, petitioners, in their

individual capacities and as legal representatives of Z.B., on behalf of themselves, Z.B., 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 Z.B. resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from

the pneumococcal vaccination administered on May 3, 2011, as alleged by petitioners in a

petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about March 27, 2014, in the United States Court

of Federal Claims as petition No. 14-235V.

                                                 6
       18. If Z.B. 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 vaccine caused Z.B. to suffer from OMS, 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 Z.B.

                                 END OF STIPULATION

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