Robin Harrison v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2017)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Robin Harrison filed a petition on October 23, 2013, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on November 2, 2010 caused her to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) with residual effects lasting more than six months. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, respondent, denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's GBS or any other injury.
However, both parties filed a joint stipulation on November 30, 2016, agreeing to a settlement. Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court.
Petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $81,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
Nicholas E. Bunch of White, Getgey & Meyer represented the Petitioner, and Jennifer L.
Reynaud of the United States Department of Justice represented the Respondent.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Robin Harrison alleged that an influenza vaccine administered on November 2, 2010, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) with residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties entered into a joint stipulation for award on November 30, 2016. Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman approved the stipulation, finding it reasonable. Petitioner was awarded $81,000.00 as compensation for all damages under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The public decision does not detail the specific medical mechanism, expert testimony, or the basis for the stipulation. Attorneys involved were Nicholas E. Bunch for Petitioner and Jennifer L. Reynaud for Respondent.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00831