Court Opinion

ID: 4344445
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2018-11-26 17:02:06.868963+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:30:38.437744
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                                         OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                             Filed: October 31, 2018

* * * * * * *                   *    *    *    *   *    *
WENDELL DAVIS,                                          *                  UNPUBLISHED
                                                        *
                  Petitioner,                           *                  No. 16-774V
                                                        *
v.                                                      *                  Special Master Gowen
                                                        *
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                                     *                  Joint Stipulation; Hepatitis A; Tetanus-
AND HUMAN SERVICES,                                     *                  Diphtheria-Acellular Pertussis
                                                        *                  (“TDaP”); Macrophagic Myofasciitis
                  Respondent.                           *                  (“MMF”).
*    * *      *   * * * *            *    *    *   *    *

Jeffrey S. Pop, Beverly Hills, CA, for petitioner.
Voris E. Johnson, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

                                    DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1

        On June 29, 2016, Wendell Davis (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program2 for injuries allegedly related to his receipt of
Hepatitis A and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (“TDaP”) vaccinations, which are contained
in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). Petitioner received the Hepatitis A
and TDaP vaccinations on August 13, 2014. Petitioner alleged that as a result of these vaccines, he
suffered from macrophagic myofasciitis (“MMF”) and that he experienced the residual effects of
this condition for more than six months.

        On October 31, 2018, respondent filed a joint stipulation providing that a decision should be
entered awarded compensation to petitioner. Joint Stipulation (ECF No. 68). Respondent denies
that the Hepatitis A and/ or TDaP vaccines or any other vaccine caused petitioner to suffer from
MMF or any other injury, or his current condition. Id. at ¶ 6.

1
  Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the undersigned intends to post it on
the website of the United States Court of Federal Claims, pursuant to the E-Government Act of 2002, see 44 U.S.C. §
3501 note (2012). The court’s website is at http://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/aggregator/sources/7. Before the decision is
posted on the court’s website, each party has 14 days to file a motion requesting 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). “An objecting party must provide the court with a proposed redacted version
of the decision.” Id. If neither party files a motion for redaction within 14 days, the decision will be posted on the court’s
website. Id.
2
 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-1 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.
        Maintaining their respective positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues
between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding compensation to
petitioner according to the terms of the joint stipulation attached hereto as Appendix A.

         The joint stipulation awards:

         a. A lump sum of $1,150,000.00 (which amount represents compensation for first-year life
            care expenses, past and future lost earnings, past unreimbursed expenses, and pain and
            suffering) in the form of a check payable to petitioner, Wendell Davis; and

         b. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in paragraph 10
            of the joint stipulation attached hereto as Appendix A, paid to the life insurance
            company from which the annuity will be purchased.

         These amounts represent all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-
15(a).

     I find the stipulation reasonable and I adopt it as the decision of the Court in awarding
damages, on the terms set forth therein.

       Accordingly, the Clerk of the Court SHALL ENTER JUDGMENT in accordance with the
terms of the parties’ stipulation.3

         IT IS SO ORDERED.
                                                                         s/Thomas L. Gowen
                                                                         Thomas L. Gowen
                                                                         Special Master

3
  Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment is expedited by the parties jointly or separately filing notice
renouncing their right to seek review.

                                                             2
             IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
                           OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
____________________________________
                                      )
WENDELL DAVIS,                        )
                                      )
                 Petitioner,          )
    v.                                )
                                      )        No. 16-774V
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                   )        Special Master Gowen
AND HUMAN SERVICES                    )
                                      )
                Respondent.           )
____________________________________)

                                         STIPULATION

       The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:

       1. Wendell Davis (“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 Hepatitis A and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (“Tdap”) which vaccines are contained

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

       2. Petitioner received the Hepatitis A and Tdap immunizations on August 13, 2014. 1

       3. The vaccinations were administered within the United States.

       4. Petitioner alleges that he suffered from Macrophagic Myofasciitis (“MMF”) as a result

of receiving the Hepatitis A and Tdap vaccines, and further alleges that he experienced the

residual effects of this condition for more than six months.

       5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action

1
 As alleged in the petition, petitioner also received Meningitis, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever
vaccines on August 13, 2014, and an influenza vaccine on September 12, 2014, but those
vaccines are not alleged to have caused petitioner’s injury, and the Typhoid and Yellow Fever
vaccines are not contained on the Vaccine injury Table.
for damages on his behalf as a result of his condition.

       6. Respondent denies that the Hepatitis A and/or Tdap vaccines or any other vaccine

caused petitioner to suffer from MMF or any other injury, or his 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 $1,150,000.00, which amount represents compensation for first year
       life care expenses, past and future lost earnings, past unreimbursed expenses, and pain
       and suffering, in the form of a check payable to petitioner, Wendell Davis; and,

       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”).

These amounts represent compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C.

§ 300aa-15(a).

       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+, 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;

       d.        Fitch Credit Rating Company, Insurance Company Claims Paying Ability Rating:

                                                 2
              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, Wendell Davis, pursuant to which

the Life Insurance Company will agree to make payments periodically to petitioner as follows:

       a. For future unreimbursable Medicare Part B Premium, Medicare Advantage Premium,
       and Medicare Advantage Prescription Medication expenses, beginning on the first
       anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $17,325.36 to be paid up to the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2039, increasing at the rate of five percent
       (5%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       b. For future unreimbursable Medigap F and Medicare Part D expenses, beginning on
       the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2039, an annual amount of $16,991.04 to
       be paid for the remainder of petitioner’s life, increasing at the rate of five percent (5%),
       compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       c. For future unreimbursable Podiatrist, Calcium, Vitamin D3, Fish Oil, Bilateral Knee
       Braces, and Over the Door Pulley expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date
       of judgment, an annual amount of $1,427.45 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner’s
       life, increasing at the rate of three and one half percent (3.5%), compounded annually
       from the date of judgment.

       d. For future unreimbursable Physical Therapy expenses, on the first anniversary of the
       date of judgment, a lump sum of $376.00, increasing at the rate of three and one half
       percent (3.5%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       e. For future unreimbursable Walker, Manual Wheelchair, and Manual Wheelchair
       Maintenance expenses, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2023, a lump
       sum of $122.00. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2024, a lump
       sum of $624.29. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year
       2025, an annual amount of $131.43 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner’s life, all
       amounts increasing at the rate of three and one half percent (3.5%), compounded
       annually from the date of judgment.

       f. For future unreimbursable Cane, Roho Cushion/Gel Seat, Cushion Cover, Urinal,
       Hand Held Shower, Shower Chair, ADL Allowance, Lifeline, Ancillary Services, and
       Stair Glide Maintenance expenses, on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, a
       lump sum of $1,170.34. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2020, a
       lump sum of $1,070.34. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2021, a
       lump sum of $1,116.34. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment
       in year 2022, an annual amount of $1,070.34 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner’s
       life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three and one half percent (3.5%), compounded
       annually from the date of judgment.

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       g. For future unreimbursable Attendant Care expenses, beginning on the first anniversary
       of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $70,080.00 to be paid up to the anniversary
       of the date of judgment in year 2034. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of
       judgment in year 2034, an annual amount of $87,600.00 to be paid up to the anniversary
       of the date of judgment in year 2044. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the
       date of judgment in year 2044, an annual amount of $105,120.00 to be paid for the
       remainder of petitioner’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three and one half
       percent (3.5%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       h. For future unreimbursable Van Modification and Stair Glide expenses, on the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028, a lump sum of $46,480.00. Then, on
       the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2038, a lump sum of $46,480.00.
       Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2039, an annual
       amount of $4,648.00 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner’s life, all amounts
       increasing at the rate of three and one half percent (3.5%), 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

he, Wendell Davis, 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 Wendell Davis’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

                                                 4
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 his 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 his

individual capacity, and on behalf of his heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns,

                                                   5
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. § 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 petitioner resulting

from, or alleged to have resulted from, the Hepatitis A, Meningitis, and Tdap vaccinations

administered on August 13, 2014, and the influenza vaccine administered on September 12,

2014, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about June 29,

2016, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 16-774V.

       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

                                                  6
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 Hepatitis A and Tdap vaccines, or any other

vaccine, caused petitioner’s MMF or any other injury, or his 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
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