Matthew Ruppert v. HHS - Influenza, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (2019)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Matthew Ruppert filed a petition on November 1, 2013, and an amended petition on August 14, 2014, alleging that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis A, and influenza (flu) vaccinations caused him to develop Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He received an HPV vaccination on March 3, 2012, and received HPV, Hepatitis A, and flu vaccinations on December 8, 2012.
The respondent denied that the vaccinations caused petitioner's MS or any other injury. The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation on August 28, 2018, agreeing to settle the case and award compensation to the petitioner.
Special Master Thomas L. Gowen reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court.
The petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $205,000.00, payable to him, and an additional amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for future expenses. This award represents compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
The public decision does not describe the petitioner's specific symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or the names of any medical experts. The attorneys involved were Sylvia Chin-Caplan for the petitioner and Debra A.
Filteau Begley for the respondent.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Matthew Ruppert alleged that HPV vaccination on March 3, 2012, and HPV, Hepatitis A, and flu vaccinations on December 8, 2012, caused him to develop Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a joint stipulation on August 28, 2018, settling the case. Special Master Gowen adopted the stipulation, awarding petitioner a lump sum of $205,000.00 and an annuity for future expenses. The public decision does not detail the specific medical mechanism, expert testimony, or clinical findings supporting the theory of causation, relying instead on the joint stipulation for resolution. Attorneys: Sylvia Chin-Caplan for petitioner; Debra A. Filteau Begley for respondent. Decision Date: August 28, 2018.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00869