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  5. HIGGINS v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, 13-497V. (2015)

HIGGINS v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, 13-497V. (2015)

Court: United States Court of Federal Claims Number: infdco20150601919 Visitors: 7
Filed: Apr. 29, 2015
Latest Update: Apr. 29, 2015
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION 1 CHRISTIAN J. MORAN , Special Master . On April 28, 2015, respondent filed a joint stipulation concerning the petition for compensation filed by Donna Higgins on July 22, 2013. In her petition, petitioner alleged that the influenza vaccine, which is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. 100.3(a), and which she received on November 1, 2011, caused her to suffer Guillain-Barr Syndrome ("GBS"). Petitioner further alleges that she suffered the
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UNPUBLISHED DECISION1

On April 28, 2015, respondent filed a joint stipulation concerning the petition for compensation filed by Donna Higgins on July 22, 2013. In her petition, petitioner alleged that the influenza vaccine, which is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a), and which she received on November 1, 2011, caused her to suffer Guillain-Barré Syndrome ("GBS"). Petitioner further alleges that she suffered the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition.

Respondent denies that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner to suffer GBS or any other injury.

Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation, attached hereto as Appendix A. The undersigned finds said stipulation reasonable and adopts it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein:

a. A lump sum of $1,048,896.81, which amount represents compensation for first year life care expenses ($62,735.15); lost earnings ($769,689.00); and pain and suffering ($208,074.05); and past unreimbursable expenses ($8,398.61) in the form of a check payable to petitioner, Donna Higgins; and b. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in paragraph 10 of the stipulation attached hereto as "Appendix A," paid to the life insurance company from which the annuity will be purchased (the "Life Insurance Company").2

In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC, Appendix B, the clerk is directed to enter judgment in case 13-497V according to this decision and the attached stipulation.3

Any questions may be directed to my law clerk, Mary Holmes, at (202) 357-6360.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

STIPULATION

The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:

1. Donna Higgins, 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 an influenza vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a).

2. Petitioner received her influenza immunization on November 1, 2011.

3. The vaccination was administered within the United States.

4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of receiving the influenza vaccine.

5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition.

6. Respondent denies that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner to suffer from Guillain-Barré Syndrome ("GBS") 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 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 $1,048,896.81, which amount represents compensation for first year life care expenses ($62,735.15); lost earnings ($769,689.00); and pain and suffering ($208,074.05); and past unreimbursable expenses ($8,398.61) in the form of a check payable to petitioner; 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").

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: 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, Donna Higgins, pursuant to which the Life Insurance Company will agree to make payments periodically to petitioner as follows:

a. For future unreimbursable BCBS PPO Premium, Medicare Part B Premium, BCBS PPO Rx Co-pay, Medigap F Premium, and Medicare Part D expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $5,319.60 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028, an annual amount of $7,294.00 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner's life, all amounts increasing at the rate of five percent (5%), compounded annually from the date of judgment. b. For future unreimbursable BCBS PPO Maximum Out of Pocket expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $4,900.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028, increasing at the rate of five percent (5%), compounded annually from the date of judgment. c. For future unreimbursable Home Care and Transportation expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $28,200.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028, an annual amount of $39,900.00 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner's life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment. d. For future unreimbursable YMCA expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $408.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028, increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment. e. For future unreimbursable Neuro Stimulator Unit, Lift Chair, Foam Layer for Bed, Mattress Protector, Lift Maintenance, Battery, Toilet Safety Rail, Reacher, Utensil Holder, Alarm System expenses, on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, a lump sum of $1,377.93. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2017, an annual amount of $857.93 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2019. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2019, a lump sum of $1,037.93. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2020, a lump sum of $982.93. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2021, an annual amount of $942.93 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2024. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2024, a lump sum of $1,182.93. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2025, a lump sum of $1,772.93. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2026, an annual amount of $1,241.93 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028, an annual amount of $981.93 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner's life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment. f. For future unreimbursable Poise Pad, Glove, Wipe, and Tylenol expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $588.42 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner's life, increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment. g. For future unreimbursable Ancillary Care at Home expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $900.00 to be paid for the remainder of petitioner's life, increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), 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 she, Donna Higgins, 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 Donna Higgins'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 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 her 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 patties 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 her individual capacity, and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, 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 influenza vaccination administered on November 1, 2011, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about July 22, 2013, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 13-497V.

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 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 influenza vaccine caused petitioner's GBS, or any other injury.

22. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.

FootNotes


1. The E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (Dec. 17, 2002), requires that the Court post this decision on its website. Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 18(b), the parties have 14 days to file a motion proposing redaction of medical information or other information described in 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(d)(4). Any redactions ordered by the special master will appear in the document posted on the website.
2. 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: AA-, AA, AA+, or AAA.
3. Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties can expedite entry of judgment by each party filing a notice renouncing the right to seek review by a United States Court of Federal Claims judge.
Source:  Leagle
Lawyers who claimed
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Citations
13-497V.
Counsels
  • Lawrence R. Cohan
  • Michael Patrick Milmoe
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