In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 16-1034V
Filed: March 29, 2017
UNPUBLISHED
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ALEXIS OBERS, *
*
Petitioner, *
* Damages Decision Based on Proffer;
v. * Influenza Vaccine (“Flu Vaccine”);
* Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Administration (“SIRVA”);
AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Special Processing Unit (“SPU”)
*
Respondent. *
*
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Maximillian Muller, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for petitioner.
Kathryn Robinette, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
Dorsey, Chief Special Master:
On August 19, 2016, Alexis Obers (“petitioner”) 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”). Petitioner alleged that she suffered left
shoulder injuries resulting from the influenza vaccination she received on November 2,
2015. Petition at 1, ¶¶ 2, 10. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of
the Office of Special Masters.
On December 27, 2016, the undersigned issued a ruling on entitlement, finding
petitioner entitled to compensation. (ECF No. 18). On March 29, 2017, respondent
filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating petitioner should be
awarded $75,000.00. Proffer at 1. In the Proffer, respondent represented that
1 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the
undersigned intends to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, in accordance with
the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of
Electronic Government Services). In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), petitioner has 14 days to
identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an
unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, the undersigned agrees that the identified material fits
within this definition, the undersigned will redact such material from public access.
2National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for
ease of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).
petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. at 1. Based on the record as a whole,
the undersigned finds that petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, the undersigned awards
petitioner a lump sum payment of $75,000.00 in the form of a check payable to
petitioner, Alexis Obers. This amount represents compensation for all damages that
would be available under § 300aa-15(a).
The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this
decision.3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Nora Beth Dorsey
Nora Beth Dorsey
Chief Special Master
3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice
renouncing the right to seek review.
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IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
)
ALEXIS OBERS, )
)
Petitioner, )
) No. 16-1034V
v. ) Chief Special Master Dorsey
) ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN )
SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
)
PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
On December 12, 2016, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding
that petitioner was entitled to vaccine compensation for her Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine
Administration (“SIRVA”).
I. Items of Compensation
Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded
$75,000.00, which represents all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled
under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 1 Petitioner agrees.
II. Form of the Award
Petitioner is a competent adult. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided
to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment of $75,000.00, in the form of a check
payable to petitioner. Petitioner agrees.
1
Should petitioner die prior to the entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the
Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future
medical expenses, future lost earnings, and future pain and suffering.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAD A. READLER
Acting Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Acting Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
CATHARINE E. REEVES
Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
LYNN RICCIARDELLA
Senior Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
s/ Kathryn A. Robinette
KATHRYN A. ROBINETTE
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
Tel: (202) 616-3661
Fax: (202) 616-4310
DATED: March 29, 2017
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