Vikkie L. Shipp v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2015)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Vikkie L. Shipp filed a petition on May 29, 2015, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
The petition, originally filed on December 12, 2012, alleged that Ms. Shipp suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and related complications as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the GBS and any related medical problems were caused by the flu vaccine. Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation filed on May 29, 2015.
Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as the decision in the case.
The stipulation awarded Vikkie L. Shipp a lump sum of $200,000.00, payable to her, as compensation for all damages.
Subsequently, on December 7, 2015, the parties filed a joint stipulation regarding attorney's fees and costs. Special Master Corcoran approved an award of $46,000.00 for attorney's fees and costs, payable jointly to Petitioner Vikkie L.
Shipp and her counsel, Isaiah Richard Kalinowski of Maglio Christopher and Toale, PA. Petitioner represented that she incurred no reimbursable costs.
The total compensation awarded to Vikkie L. Shipp was $246,000.00.
The decision was issued by Special Master Brian H. Corcoran.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Vikkie L. Shipp alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine. Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a settlement via stipulation, which was approved by Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. The stipulation awarded Petitioner a lump sum of $200,000.00 for all damages. A subsequent stipulation addressed attorney's fees and costs, with Special Master Corcoran approving an award of $46,000.00 payable jointly to Petitioner and her counsel, Isaiah Richard Kalinowski. The total award was $246,000.00. The specific medical theory of causation, onset, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert testimony were not detailed in the provided public decision text, as the case was resolved by stipulation.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_12-vv-00923