Cathi Holden v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2015)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Petitioner Cathi Holden filed a claim alleging that she suffered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) caused by an influenza vaccine she received on October 7, 2010. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury.
The parties reached a stipulation to resolve the case, and the court adopted the terms of this stipulation. Special Master Laura D.
Millman issued a decision on July 6, 2015, awarding Cathi Holden $545,000.00 in compensation. This award represents all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and was to be paid as a lump sum check to the petitioner.
Ronald C. Homer represented the petitioner, and Julia W.
McInerny represented the respondent. The decision was not designated for publication but was intended to be posted on the court's website.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Cathi Holden alleged that her Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) was caused by an influenza vaccine administered on October 7, 2010. Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a stipulation to resolve the case, and Special Master Laura D. Millman adopted the stipulation, awarding $545,000.00 in compensation on July 6, 2015. The specific medical theory of causation, expert testimony, onset of symptoms, clinical details, or treatment are not described in the provided public decision text, as the case was resolved via stipulation. The award was a lump sum for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner's counsel was Ronald C. Homer, and respondent's counsel was Julia W. McInerny.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00730