Douglas Swift v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2014)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Douglas Swift filed a petition on June 5, 2014, alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on September 22, 2012, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and experience residual effects for more than six months. The influenza vaccine is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused Mr. Swift's GBS or any other injury.
Despite the respondent's denial, the parties reached a joint stipulation to resolve the case. The stipulation awarded Mr.
Swift a lump sum of $53,812.78 for all damages. Additionally, the parties stipulated to attorneys' fees and costs in the amount of $16,000.00, payable jointly to Mr.
Swift and his attorney, Sheila A. Bjorklund of the Lommen Abdo Law Firm.
Special Master Christian J. Moran adopted these stipulations as the final award.
The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, or treatments. The public decision does not name any medical experts for either party.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Douglas Swift alleged that the influenza vaccine received on September 22, 2012, caused Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), an injury listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a joint stipulation for compensation. The award included a lump sum of $53,812.78 for all damages and $16,000.00 for attorneys' fees and costs, payable jointly to petitioner and his attorney, Sheila A. Bjorklund. Special Master Christian J. Moran adopted the stipulation on June 27, 2014. The public decision does not detail the specific mechanism of causation, medical experts, or evidence presented.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00763