Not for Publication
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
LAURA D. MILLMAN, Special Master.
On March 23, 2017, the parties filed the attached stipulation in which they agreed to settle this case and described the settlement terms. Petitioner alleges that he suffered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome ("GBS"), central vestibular dysfunction, encephalitis, vertigo, abnormal gait, paresthesia, diminished memory, ataxia, and astasia-abasia functional conversion disorder caused by his receipt of influenza ("flu") vaccine on October 20, 2014. He further alleges that he experienced the residual effects of these injuries for more than six months. Respondent denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged injuries and residual effects or any other injury. Nonetheless, the parties agreed to 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 lump sum of $20,000.00, representing compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) (2012). The award shall be in the form of a check for $20,000.00 made payable to petitioner.
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.
STIPULATION
The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:
1. Jimmon Watson ("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 sustained following 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 an influenza vaccine on October 20, 2014.
3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.
4. Petitioner alleges that he subsequently suffered the injuries of Guillain-Barré Syndrome ("GBS"), central vestibular dysfunction, encephalitis, vertigo, abnormal gait, paresthesia, diminished memory, ataxia, and astasia-abasia functional conversion disorder, which petitioner alleges were caused-in-fact by his receipt of the influenza vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that he experienced the residual effects of his injuries for more than six months.
5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages as a result of his condition.
6. Respondent denies that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner's alleged injuries and 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 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 payment:
A lump sum of $20,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner, Jimmon Watson. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
9. 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.
10. Petitioner and his 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.
11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.
12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for the award for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner, 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).
13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in his individual capacity, and on behalf of his heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the United States of America 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. § 300aa-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 vaccine administered on October 20, 2014, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about February 18, 2016, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 16-242V.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 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.
17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States of America or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that petitioner's alleged injuries and residual effects, or any other injury, were caused-in-fact by the influenza vaccine.
18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, successors and/or assigns.
