May v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS (Filed: January 20, 2016) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * LAURA MAY, * * No. 12-712V Petitioner, * Special Master Roth * v. * * Damages Decision Based on Stipulation; SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Human Papillomavirus (HPV); AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Neurological Symptoms; Chest Tightness; * Gastrointestinal Symptoms; Joint Pain Respondent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Michael G. McLaren, Black McLaren, et al., PC, Memphis, TN, for petitioner. Lara A. Englund, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 Roth, Special Master: On October 19, 2012, Laura May filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10, et seq.2 [the “Vaccine Act” or “Program”], alleging that she developed various neurological and physical complications as a result of the Human Papillomavirus (“HPV”) vaccine she received on February 23, 2010. Respondent denies that the flu vaccine is the cause of petitioner’s alleged injures. Stipulation at ¶¶ 6, 17. On January 19, 2016, respondent filed a stipulation agreeing to settle this case and describing the settlement terms. According to respondent’s stipulation, petitioner agrees to the proposed award of compensation. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached stipulation, petitioner is awarded: 1 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I intend to post this decision on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (Dec. 17, 2002). In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), petitioners have 14 days to identify and move to delete medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will delete such material from public access. 2 The Program comprises 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-10 et seq. (hereinafter “Vaccine Act” or “the Act”). Hereafter, individual section references will be to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa of the Act. 1 A lump sum of $50,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner, Laura May. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The special master adopts the parties’ stipulation attached hereto, and awards compensation in the amount and on the terms set forth therein. The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Mindy Michaels Roth Mindy Michaels Roth Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by each party filing a notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2