Jennings v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

Opinion

In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-0162V

JOHN JENNINGS, Chief Special Master Corcoran

Petitioner, v. Filed: February 28, 2024

SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,

Respondent.

Ronald Craig Homer, Conway, Homer, P.C., Boston, MA, for Petitioner.

Jennifer A. Shah, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

DECISION ON DAMAGES1

On February 6, 2023, John Jennings filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleged that he suffered a left-sided shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as the result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine received on September 30, 2021. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.

On November 27, 2023, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for SIRVA. On February 28, 2024, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”). Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with

1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made

publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. 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, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access.

2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). the proffered award. Id. at 2. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer.

Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award a lump sum payment of $82,406.36 (representing $80,000.00 for pain and suffering, and $2,406.36 for out-of-pocket expenses) in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a).

The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3

IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran 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.

2 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

JOHN JENNINGS,

Petitioner, No. 23-162V v. Chief Special Master Corcoran SPU SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,

RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION

On February 6, 2023, John Jennings (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation

(“Petition”) under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to

–34, as amended (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered a Shoulder Injury

Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza vaccination

administered on September 30, 2021. Petition at 1.

On November 21, 2023, respondent filed his Vaccine Rule 4(c) report, recommending

that compensation be awarded. ECF No. 22. On November 27, 2023, this Court issued a Ruling

on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 24.

I. Items of Compensation

Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $82,406.36, consisting of

$80,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,406.36 for out-of-pocket expenses. This represents all

elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award

Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.

Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a

lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and

the Court’s judgment award the following 1: a lump sum payment of $82,406.36, representing

compensation for all elements of economic and noneconomic damages, in the form of a check

payable to petitioner, John Jennings.

III. Summary of Recommended Payment Following Judgment

Lump sum payable to petitioner, John Jennings: $82,406.36.

Respectfully submitted,

BRIAN BOYNTON Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General

C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Director Torts Branch, Civil Division

HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division

COLLEEN C. HARTLEY Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division

1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future lost earnings and future pain and suffering. 2 s/ Jennifer A. Shah Jennifer A. Shah 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) 305-2181 Jennifer.shah@usdoj.gov

Dated: February 28, 2024