Michelle Stokes v. HHS - HPV, lymphadenopathy and other injuries (2017)

Michelle Stokes filed a petition on May 21, 2014, alleging that she suffered lymphadenopathy and other injuries as a result of the HPV vaccine she received on June 17, 2011. The case progressed slowly, with Ms.

Stokes indicating difficulty in retaining an attorney and later in obtaining an expert to opine on causation. She was repeatedly ordered to show cause why her case should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute.

Despite extensions, Ms. Stokes failed to provide the necessary medical records or an expert opinion to support her claim.

The court noted that to receive compensation, a petitioner must prove either a Table Injury or that the vaccine actually caused the injury, supported by medical records or a physician's opinion. As Ms.

Stokes failed to meet these requirements and did not respond to the orders to show cause, the court dismissed her case for failure to prosecute and insufficient proof on January 12, 2017.