Barbara Collins v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2014)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Barbara Collins filed a petition on September 9, 2013, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 17, 2010, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with residual effects lasting more than six months. The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's GBS.
On November 21, 2014, both parties filed a joint stipulation to settle the case. Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court.
Petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $375,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner was represented by Danielle Anne Strait of Maglio, Christopher & Toale, PA.
Respondent was represented by Voris Edward Johnson of the United States Department of Justice. In a separate decision on November 20, 2014, Special Master Dorsey also approved a stipulation for attorneys' fees and costs, awarding $16,800.00 jointly payable to petitioner and her attorney, Danielle A.
Strait. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or the medical experts consulted by either party.
The specific mechanism of causation was not detailed in the public decision.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Barbara Collins alleged that an influenza vaccine received on September 17, 2010, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties filed a joint stipulation on November 21, 2014, agreeing to a settlement. Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted the stipulation as the decision of the Court. Petitioner was awarded $375,000.00 in compensation. Attorneys' fees and costs of $16,800.00 were awarded jointly to petitioner and her counsel, Danielle Anne Strait of Maglio, Christopher & Toale, PA. The public decision does not detail the specific medical evidence, expert testimony, or the proposed mechanism of causation, relying instead on the parties' stipulation.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00656