Amy Cowen v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2016)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Petitioner Amy Cowen filed a petition on October 21, 2015, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and related complications as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine.
The respondent denied that the vaccine caused Petitioner's GBS. Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation filed on October 20, 2015.
Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as the court's decision.
The stipulation awarded Petitioner a lump sum of $130,000.00, payable by check to Petitioner, as compensation for all damages. The Special Master approved this award and directed the clerk of the court to enter judgment.
The public decision does not describe the specific date of vaccination, the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, or any expert testimony.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Amy Cowen alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and related complications as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine. The respondent denied causation. The parties reached a settlement via stipulation filed October 20, 2015, agreeing to an award of $130,000.00. Special Master Brian H. Corcoran approved the stipulation on March 7, 2016. The public decision does not specify the vaccination date, age, onset, symptoms, medical records, expert testimony, or the specific mechanism of causation. The award was for all damages under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00610