In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1779V
MEGAN PETERSON Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: April 1, 2025 v.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Amy A. Senerth, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner.
Zoe Wade, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION 1
On October 11, 2023, Megan Peterson 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 alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) caused by a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine administered on July 26, 2022. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at March 31, 2025, ¶¶ 1, 2, 4. Petitioner further alleges the vaccine was administered within the United States, that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and that she has not received any prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. Petition at 1-4; Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5. Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table Injury; denies that the vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury or any other injury or condition; and denies that Petitioner’s current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Stipulation at ¶ 6.
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). Nevertheless, on March 31, 2025, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, 3 stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $46,902.33, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a).
I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision. 4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master
3 The Vinesign Verification Page located at page six of the parties’ Stipulation has been omitted from the attached copy of the Stipulation. 4 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 Vlnesign Document ID: 14106n3-451A-416E-85F7-8781D02BFDA6
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPEClAL MASTERS
MEGAN PETERSON.
Petitioner, No. 23-1779V Chief Special Master Corcoran v. ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent
STIPULATION
The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:
1. Megan Peterson ("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 related to petitioner's receipt
of the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis ("Tdap") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the
Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § J00.3(a)
2. Petitioner received the Tdap vaccine on July 26, 2022.
3. The vaccine was administered within the United S1ates.
4. Petitioner alleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table. Petitioner further alleges that she has
experienced the residual effects of her alleged injury for more than six months.
5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action
for damages on her behalf as a result of the alleged injury.
The signed document can be validated at https://app.vinesign.comNerify 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the
Tdap vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury or any other injury or condition; and
denies that petitioner's current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.
7. Maintaining their above-5tated 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 ofjudgment 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-2l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the following vaccine compensation payment for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a):
A lump sum of$46,902.33 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner.
9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofjudgment 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-2l(a)(l), 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 petitioner' s 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-1S(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.
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In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1779V
MEGAN PETERSON Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: April 1, 2025 v.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Amy A. Senerth, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner.
Zoe Wade, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION 1
On October 11, 2023, Megan Peterson 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 alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) caused by a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine administered on July 26, 2022. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at March 31, 2025, ¶¶ 1, 2, 4. Petitioner further alleges the vaccine was administered within the United States, that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and that she has not received any prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. Petition at 1-4; Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5. Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table Injury; denies that the vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury or any other injury or condition; and denies that Petitioner’s current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Stipulation at ¶ 6.
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). Nevertheless, on March 31, 2025, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, 3 stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $46,902.33, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a).
I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision. 4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master
3 The Vinesign Verification Page located at page six of the parties’ Stipulation has been omitted from the attached copy of the Stipulation. 4 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 Vlnesign Document ID: 14106n3-451A-416E-85F7-8781D02BFDA6
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPEClAL MASTERS
MEGAN PETERSON.
Petitioner, No. 23-1779V Chief Special Master Corcoran v. ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent
STIPULATION
The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:
1. Megan Peterson ("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 related to petitioner's receipt
of the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis ("Tdap") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the
Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § J00.3(a)
2. Petitioner received the Tdap vaccine on July 26, 2022.
3. The vaccine was administered within the United S1ates.
4. Petitioner alleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table. Petitioner further alleges that she has
experienced the residual effects of her alleged injury for more than six months.
5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action
for damages on her behalf as a result of the alleged injury.
The signed document can be validated at https://app.vinesign.comNerify 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the
Tdap vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury or any other injury or condition; and
denies that petitioner's current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.
7. Maintaining their above-5tated 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 ofjudgment 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-2l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the following vaccine compensation payment for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a):
A lump sum of$46,902.33 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner.
9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofjudgment 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-2l(a)(l), 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 petitioner' s 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-1S(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.
2 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-l5(i), subject
to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.
12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award
for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursed expenses, 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-1 S(g) and (h).
13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in petitioner's
individuaJ capacity, and on behalf of petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators. successors or
assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United
States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services 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-JO et seq., on account ot 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 Tdap vaccination administered on
July 26, 2022, as alleged in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about October, 11,
2023, in the United States Court of Federal CJaims as petition No. 23-1779V.
14. If petitioner should die prior to entry ofjudgment, this agreement shall be voidable
upon proper notice to the Coun on behalf of either or both of the parties.
3 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete confonnity with the tenns
of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in confonnity 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 Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except
as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part ofthe
panies 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 ofthe parties' respective positions as to liability and/or
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature ofthe injury or condition or in the
items ofcompensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement
17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that the Tdap vaccine caused petitioner's alleged injury
or any other injury or petitioner' s current disabilities.
18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.
END OF STIPULATION
4 Respectfully submitted,
PETITIONER:
\.\ts•"'- ~..it.-'"i' MEGAN PETERSON
ATIORNEYOFRECORDFOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: P.ETfflONER . :l z
~ AMYSENERTH ~ ~ ~ , \ ? L a • v.Jv--___ HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Muller Brazil Deputy Director 715 Twining Road, Ste. 208B Torts Branch Dresher, PA 19025 Civil Division (2 I 5)-855-1644 U.S. Department of Justice Email: amy@mullerbrazil.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin FrankJin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146
AUfflORIZED REPRESENTA11VE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF DIE SECRETARY OF HEALffl RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: Jeffrey S. ~-=~:gnedbyJeffrey Beach -S :;,~02s.03,1an:n:41 tor CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH ZO£R. WADE Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice Administration P.O. Box 146 U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station and Human Services Washington, OC 20044-0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 08W-25A (202) 616-4118 Rockville, MD 20857 Email: zoe.wade@usdoj.gov
Dated: ~ '!,/ 2025.,-