Kebede Gebreyes v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2014)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Kebede Gebreyes filed a petition on January 31, 2013, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Petitioner alleged that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving the influenza (flu) vaccination.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, respondent, denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's GBS or any other injuries. Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to a stipulation to settle the case, which was filed on August 26, 2014.
Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the file and concluded that the stipulation was reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court.
The stipulation awarded a lump sum of $295,000.00, payable to Kebede Gebreyes, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, or any expert testimony.
Petitioner was represented by Ronald C. Homer of Conway, Homer & Chin-Caplan, P.C., and respondent was represented by Linda S.
Renzi of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Theory of causation
Petitioner alleged that the influenza (flu) vaccine caused Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a stipulation to settle the case, which Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted as his decision. The stipulation awarded $295,000.00 to petitioner Kebede Gebreyes. The public decision does not detail the specific mechanism of causation, expert testimony, or clinical findings. Petitioner's counsel was Ronald C. Homer of Conway, Homer & Chin-Caplan, P.C., and respondent's counsel was Linda S. Renzi. The decision was issued on September 23, 2014.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00083