Angela M. Smith v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2015)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On September 16, 2014, Angela M. Smith filed a Vaccine Program petition after receiving an influenza vaccine on November 28, 2012.
She alleged that the flu vaccination caused Guillain-Barre Syndrome and that she experienced residual effects for more than six months. The public decision was entered on a joint stipulation and provides limited clinical detail.
It identifies the vaccine, date, alleged GBS, and duration allegation, but it does not describe onset, hospitalization, neurologic testing, treatment, or expert testimony. Respondent denied that Smith's alleged GBS and residual effects were caused in fact by the flu vaccine.
The parties filed a joint stipulation on August 7, 2015 resolving the case. Chief Special Master Denise K.
Vowell adopted the stipulation on August 10, 2015 and awarded Smith a lump sum of $125,000.00, payable to her, representing all damages available under section 15(a). Smith was represented by Nancy Routh Meyers of Ward Black Law in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine (November 28, 2012) alleged to cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome with residual effects for more than six months. COMPENSATED by joint stipulation. Respondent denied causation-in-fact for alleged GBS and residual effects; the public stipulation decision contains limited clinical facts and no onset/treatment/expert narrative. Chief Special Master Denise K. Vowell adopted the stipulation on August 10, 2015. Award: $125,000.00 lump sum payable to Angela M. Smith for all section 15(a) damages. Attorney: Nancy Routh Meyers, Ward Black Law, Greensboro, NC.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_14-vv-00856