Filed: Aug. 10, 2017
Latest Update: Aug. 10, 2017
Summary: Not to be Published DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES 1 LAURA D. MILLMAN , Special Master . On September 19, 2012, petitioner filed a petition under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, 42 U.S.C. 300aa-10-34 (2012), alleging that tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis ("Tdap") vaccine he received on October 1, 2009 caused him neurological injury. Pet. at 1 and 2. On December 10, 2012, respondent filed a Rule 4(c) Report, conceding that petitioner suffered a Table brachial neuritis ca
Summary: Not to be Published DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES 1 LAURA D. MILLMAN , Special Master . On September 19, 2012, petitioner filed a petition under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, 42 U.S.C. 300aa-10-34 (2012), alleging that tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis ("Tdap") vaccine he received on October 1, 2009 caused him neurological injury. Pet. at 1 and 2. On December 10, 2012, respondent filed a Rule 4(c) Report, conceding that petitioner suffered a Table brachial neuritis cau..
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Not to be Published
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
LAURA D. MILLMAN, Special Master.
On September 19, 2012, petitioner filed a petition under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10-34 (2012), alleging that tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis ("Tdap") vaccine he received on October 1, 2009 caused him neurological injury. Pet. at ¶¶ 1 and 2. On December 10, 2012, respondent filed a Rule 4(c) Report, conceding that petitioner suffered a Table brachial neuritis caused by his receipt of Tdap vaccine and recommending compensation. At the request of respondent, the undersigned issued a Ruling on Entitlement on August 10, 2017.
On August 10, 2017, respondent filed a status report regarding damages, in which respondent proffers the amount J.R. should be awarded for life care expenses, pain and suffering, past unreimbursable expenses, and an amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in the status report. Respondent also incorporates the amount the undersigned ruled should be awarded in lost earnings in her Second Ruling on Wage Loss issued on July 28, 2017.
The undersigned finds the terms of respondent's proffer to be reasonable. Pursuant to the proffer, the court awards:
a. a lump sum of $71,467.99 in the form of a check payable to petitioner representing compensation for life care expenses expected to be incurred during the first year after judgment; and
b. a lump sum of $220,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner representing compensation for pain and suffering; and
c. a lump sum of $145,000.00, in the form of a check payable to petitioner representing compensation for past unreimbursable expenses; and
d. an amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in section II.B of the attached status report.
The undersigned also awards $2,587,895.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner representing compensation for petitioner's lost earnings.
Therefore, in sum, the undersigned awards a lump sum of $3,024,362.99 and an amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in section II.B of the attached status report.
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.
RESPONDENT'S STATUS REPORT REGARDING DAMAGES
Respondent hereby submits the following status report concerning damages. Petitioner's counsel has reviewed this status report and does not object to the representations made herein.
I. Items of Compensation
A. Life Care Items
Respondent engaged life care planner Linda Curtis, RN, MS, CCM, CNLP and petitioner engaged Liz Holakiewicz, RN, BSN, CCN, CNLCP to provide an estimation of J.T.'s future vaccine-injury-related needs. A life care plan was previously filed in this case, and the agreed-upon life care items are illustrated by the chart entitled "Appendix A: Proffered Items of Compensation for J.T.," attached to this Status Report as Tab A.1 Respondent proffers that J.T. should be awarded all items of compensation illustrated by the chart attached at Tab A.
B. Lost Earnings
On July 28, 2017, Special Master Millman issued her Second Ruling on Wage Loss awarding petitioner a total of $2,587,895.00 for his past and future lost earnings as a result of his vaccine-related injury pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 15(a)(3)(A).
C. Pain and Suffering
Respondent proffers that J.T. should be awarded $220,000.00 in actual and projected pain and suffering. This amount reflects that any award for projected pain and suffering has been reduced to net present value. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4).
D. Past Unreimbursable Expenses
Evidence supplied by petitioner documents J.T.'s expenditure of past unreimbursable expenses related to his vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $145,000.00.
II. Form of the Award
The parties request that the compensation provided to petitioner be made through a combination of lump sum payments and future annuity payments as described below, and request that the Special Master's decision and the Court's judgment award the following:2
A. A lump sum payment of $3,024,362.99, representing compensation for life care expenses expected to be incurred during the first year after judgment ($71,467.99), lost earnings awarded by the Special Master ($2,587,895.00), pain and suffering ($220,000.00), and past unreimbursable expenses ($145,000.00), in the form of a check payable to petitioner, J.T.
B. An amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract,3 subject to the conditions described below, that will provide payments for the life care items contained in the life care plan, as illustrated by the chart at Tab A, attached hereto, paid to the life insurance company4 from which the annuity will be purchased.5 Compensation for Year Two (beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment) and all subsequent years shall be provided through respondent's purchase of an annuity, which annuity shall make payments to petitioner, J.T., only so long as J.T. is alive at the time a particular payment is due. At the Secretary's sole discretion, the periodic payments may be provided to petitioner in monthly, quarterly, annual or other installments. The "annual amounts" set forth in the chart at Tab A describe only the total yearly sums to be paid to J.T. and do not require that the payment be made in one annual installment.
1. Growth Rate
Respondent proffers that a four percent (4%) growth rate should be applied to all non-medical life care items, and a five percent (5%) growth rate should be applied to all medical life care items. Thus, the benefits illustrated in the chart at Tab A that are to be paid through annuity payments should grow as follows: four percent (4%) compounded annually from the date of judgment for non-medical items, and five percent (5%) compounded annually from the date of judgment for medical items.
2. Life-contingent annuity
Petitioner will continue to receive the annuity payments from the Life Insurance Company only so long as he, J.T., 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 J.T.'s death.
3. Guardianship
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.
III. Summary of Payments Following Judgment
A. Lump sum paid to petitioner, J.T.:
$3,024,362.99
B. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described above in section II. B.
Appendix A: Proffered Items of Compensation for J.T.
Lump Sum
Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation
ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 1 Year 2 Years 3-4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Years 9-10
2017 2018 2019-2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025-2026
Medicare Part B 5% M 3,214.80 3,214.80 3,214.80
Medigap 5% M 3,336.00 3,336.00 3,336.00 1,629.60 1,629.60 1,629.60 1,629.60 1,629.60
AARP Medicare Rx 5% M 2,669.33 2,669.33 2,669.33 2,669.33 2,669.33 2,669.33 2,669.33 2,669.33
PCP 5% *
Sleep Specialist 5% *
ENT 5% *
PMR 5% *
PRP 5% 1,500.00
Steroid Inj 5% *
Orthopedic Consult 5% *
Lidocaine Infusions 5% *
Pain Mngt 5% *
X-rays 5% *
Sleep Study 5% *
EMG 5% *
MRI of Cervical Spine 5% *
MRI of Shoulders 5% *
Spirometry 5% *
Lab Testing 5% *
Trazedone 5% *
Mexiletine 5% *
Gabapentin 5% *
Hydrocodone 5% *
Naltrexone 5% 303.20 303.20 303.20 303.20 303.20 303.20 303.20 303.20
Cymbalta 5% *
Alpha Lipoic Acid 4% 408.45 408.45 408.45 408.45 408.45 408.45 408.45 408.45
Acetyl L Carnitine 4% 228.51 228.51 228.51 228.51 228.51 228.51 228.51 228.51
Tylenol 4% 30.26 30.26 30.26 30.26 30.26 30.26 30.26 30.26
PT Eval 4% * 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00
PT 4% * 900.00 900.00 900.00 900.00 900.00 900.00 900.00 900.00
PT Post PRP Inj 4% 1,200.00
OT Eval 4% *
OT 4% *
ST 4% *
Acupuncture 4% 710.00 570.00
Massage 4% 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00
Functional Restoration Program 4% 30,000.00
Counselor 4% * 1,680.00 1,680.00 1,680.00
Adj Bed 4% 1,000.00
Thumb Support 4% 64.32 64.32 64.32 64.32 64.32 64.32 64.32 64.32
Compression Gloves 4% 517.40 517.40 517.40 517.40 517.40 517.40 517.40 517.40
Finger Splints 4% 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00
Athletic Tape 4% 52.17 52.17 52.17 52.17 52.17 52.17 52.17 52.17
Exercise Bands 4% 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00
Bed Rail 4% 119.95
Thera Cane 4% 39.95
Arm Support 4% 42.95 42.95
BiPap Machine 4% *
BiPap Mask 4% *
BiPap Tubing 4% *
BiPap Filters 4% *
Shower Seat 4% 87.24 87.24
Hand Held Shower 4% 34.54 34.54
Faucets 4% 233.95
Grab Bars 0% 110.97
Raised Toilet Seat 4% 49.95 9.99 9.99 9.99 9.99
Toto Bidet Seat 4% 418.90
Soap & Shampoo Dispenser 4% 99.99
Soft Touch Scissors 4% 23.95
Bread Knife 4% 29.95
Fork Knife 4% 22.95
All Purpose Opener 4% 9.95
Steak Knife 4% 32.95
Jar Opener 4% 10.95
Foam Tubing 4% 13.95 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79
Dress Horn 4% 13.95 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79
Reacher 4% 32.95 10.98 10.98 10.98 10.98 10.98 10.98 10.98
Zipper Pull 4% 5.95 1.19 1.19 1.19 1.19 1.19 1.19 1.19
Bath Kit 4% 15.95 15.95 15.95 15.95 15.95 15.95 15.95 15.95
Body Brush 4% 22.95 4.59 4.59 4.59 4.59 4.59 4.59 4.59
Dr. Grip Pencil 0% 4.99
Key Turner 4% 7.95 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98
Warming Gel Mittens 4% 7.95 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98
Handy Bar 0% 35.95
Adaptive Computer Equip 0% 59.95
Dragon Dictate 0% 220.96
Shoulder Bag 4% 79.00 26.33 26.33 26.33 26.33 26.33 26.33 26.33
Allotment for Supplies 4% 300.00 82.50 82.50 82.50 82.50 82.50 82.50 82.50
Fitness Mat 4% 250.00
Sport Cord 4% 209.95
Therabath 4% 189.99
Paraffin Beads 4% 39.48 39.48 39.48 39.48 39.48 39.48 39.48 39.48
Health Club 4% M 759.00 600.00 600.00 600.00 600.00 600.00 600.00 600.00
Infusions 4% M 2,080.00 2,080.00 2,080.00 2,080.00 2,080.00 2,080.00 2,080.00 2,080.00
Home Health Aide 4% M 8,112.00 8,112.00 8,112.00 8,112.00 8,112.00 8,112.00 18,928.00 18,928.00
Ancillary Services: Handyman
Services 4% M 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00
Driving Eval 4% 500.00 500.00
Blind Spot Mirror & Install 0% 67.50
Memory Foam Steering Wheel
Cover 4% 12.99 4.33 4.33 4.33 4.33 4.33 4.33 4.33
Mileage: Feinberg Functional
Rest Prgm 4% 197.22
Mileage: Stanford for Lidocaine
Infusions 4% 740.44 740.44 740.44 740.44 740.44 740.44 740.44 740.44
Mileage: Pain Mngt & Sleep Dr. 4% 350.51 350.51 350.51 350.51 350.51 350.51 350.51 350.51
Mileage: Dr. Sebastian 4% 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71
Mileage: UC Davis 4% 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00
Mileage: Dr. Bodor 4% 29.07 29.07 29.07 29.07 29.07 29.07 29.07 29.07
Mileage: Ortho 4% 24.28 24.28 24.28 24.28 24.28 24.28 24.28 24.28
Mileage: Psych 4% 7.75 7.75 7.75 7.75 7.75 7.75 7.75 7.75
Mileage: Therapy 4% 96.08 96.08 96.08 96.08 96.08 96.08 96.08 96.08
Mileage: Massage 4% 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90
Mileage: Acupuncture 4% 3.09 2.65
Hotel at Stanford 4% 4,155.00
Home Mods 0% 1,536.00
Pain and Suffering 220,000.00
Past Unreimbursable Expenses 145,000.00
Annual Totals 436,467.99 28,867.72 27,795.07 21,243.82 21,246.81 21,203.86 32,141.64 32,019.86
Note: Compensation Year 1 consists of the 12 month period following the date of judgment. Compensation Year 2 consists of the 12 month period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of judgment. As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to petitioner for Yr 1 life care expenses ($71,467.99), pain and suffering ($220,000.00), and past unreimbursable expenses ($145,000.00): $436,467.99. Annual amounts payable through an annuity for future Compensation Years follow the anniversary of the date of judgment. Annual amounts shall increase at the rates indicated above in column G.R., compounded annually from the date of judgment. Items denoted with an asterisk (*) covered by health insurance and/or Medicare. Items denoted with an "M" payable in twelve monthly installments totaling the annual amount indicated.
Appendix A: Proffered Items of Compensation for J.T.
Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation
ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 11 Years 12-14 Year 15 Years 16-Life
Medicare Part B 5% M
Medigap 5% M 1,629.60 1,629.60 1,629.60 1,629.60
AARP Medicare Rx 5% M 2,669.33 2,669.33 2,669.33 2,669.33
PCP 5% *
Sleep Specialist 5% *
ENT 5% *
PMR 5% *
PRP 5%
Steroid Inj 5% *
Orthopedic Consult 5% *
Lidocaine Infusions 5% *
Pain Mngt 5% *
X-rays 5% *
Sleep Study 5% *
EMG 5% *
MRI of Cervical Spine 5% *
MRI of Shoulders 5% *
Spirometry 5% *
Lab Testing 5% *
Trazedone 5% *
Mexiletine 5% *
Gabapentin 5% *
Hydrocodone 5% *
Naltrexone 5% 303.20 303.20 303.20 303.20
Cymbalta 5% *
Alpha Lipoic Acid 4% 408.45 408.45 408.45 408.45
Acetyl L. Carnitine 4% 228.51 228.51 228.51 228.51
Tylenol 4% 30.26 30.26 30.26 30.26
PT Eval 4% * 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00
PT 4% * 900.00 900.00 900.00 900.00
PT Post PRP Inj 4%
Appendix A: Proffered Items of Compensation for J.T.
Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation
ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 11 Years 12-14 Year 15 Years 16-Life
2027 2028-2030 2031 2032-Life
OT Eval 4% *
OT 4% *
ST 4% *
Acupuncture 4%
Massage 4% 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00
Functional Restoration Program 4%
Counselor 4% *
Adj Bed 4%
Thumb Support 4% 64.32 64.32 64.32 64.32
Compression Gloves 4% 517.40 517.40 517.40 517.40
Finger Splints 4% 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00
Athletic Tape 4% 52.17 52.17 52.17 52.17
Exercise Bands 4% 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00
Bed Rail 4% 119.95 12.00 12.00 12.00
Thera Cane 4% 39.95 4.00 4.00 4.00
Arm Support 4% 42.95 8.59 8.59 8.59
BiPap Machine 4% *
BiPap Mask 4% *
BiPap Tubing 4% *
BiPap Filters 4% *
Shower Seat 4% 87.24 12.46
Hand Held Shower 4% 34.54 4.93
Faucets 4%
Grab Bars 0%
Raised Toilet Seat 4% 9.99 9.99 9.99 9.99
Toto Bidet Seat 4%
Soap & Shampoo Dispenser 4%
Soft Touch Scissors 4%
Bread Knife 4%
Fork Knife 4%
All Purpose Opener 4%
Appendix A: Proffered Items of Compensation for J.T.
Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation
ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 11 Years 12-14 Year 15 Years 16-Life
2027 2028-2030 2031 2032-Life
Steak Knife 4%
Jar Opener 4%
Foam Tubing 4% 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79
Dress Horn 4% 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79
Reacher 4% 10.98 10.98 10.98 10.98
Zipper Pull 4% 1.19 1.19 1.19 1.19
Bath Kit 4% 15.95 15.95 15.95 15.95
Body Brush 4% 4.59 4.59 4.59 4.59
Dr. Grip Pencil 0%
Key Turner 4% 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98
Warming Gel Mittens 4% 3.98 3.98 3.98 3.98
Handy Bar 0%
Adaptive Computer Equip 0%
Dragon Dictate 0%
Shoulder Bag 4% 26.33 26.33 26.33 26.33
Allotment for Supplies 4% 82.50 82.50 82.50 82.50
Fitness Mat 4%
Sport Cord 4%
Therabath 4%
Paraffin Beads 4% 39.48 39.48 39.48 39.48
Health Club 4% M 600.00 600.00 600.00 600.00
Infusions 4% M 2,080.00 2,080.00 2,080.00 2,080.00
Home Health Aide 4% M 18,928.00 18,928.00 18,928.00 18,928.00
Ancillary Services: Handyman
Services 4% M 960.00 960.00 960.00 960.00
Driving Eval 4%
Blind Spot Mirror & Install 0%
Memory Foam Steering Wheel
Cover 4%
Mileage: Feinberg Functional
Rest Prgm 4%
Appendix A: Proffered Items of Compensation for J.T.
Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation
ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 11 Years 12-14 Year 15 Years 16-Life
2027 2028-2030 2031 2032-Life
Mileage: Stanford for Lidocaine
Infusions 4% 740.44 740.44 740.44 740.44
Mileage: Pain Mngt & Sleep Dr. 4% 350.51 350.51 350.51 350.51
Mileage: Dr. Sebastian 4% 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71
Mileage: UC Davis 4% 29.00 29.00 29.00 29.00
Mileage: Dr. Bodor 4% 29.07 29.07 29.07 29.07
Mileage: Ortho 4% 24.28 24.28 24.28 24.28
Mileage: Psych 4% 7.75 7.75 7.75 7.75
Mileage: Therapy 4% 96.08 96.08 96.08 96.08
Mileage: Massage 4% 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90
Mileage: Acupuncture 4%
Hotel at Stanford 4%
Home Mods 0%
Pain and Suffering
Past Unreimbursable Expenses
Annual Totals 32,218.38 32,040.12 32,161.90 32,057.51
Note: Compensation Year 1 consists of the 12 month period following the date of judgment. Compensation Year 2 consists of the 12 month period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of judgment. As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to petitioner for Yr 1 life care expenses ($71,467.99), pain and suffering ($220,000.00), and past unreimbursable expenses ($145,000.00): $436,467.99. Annual amounts payable through an annuity for future Compensation Years follow the anniversary of the date of judgment. Annual amounts shall increase at the rates indicated above in column G.R., compounded annually from the date of judgment. Items denoted with an asterisk (*) covered by health insurance and/or Medicare. Items denoted with an "M" payable in twelve monthly installments totaling the annual amount indicated.
