Kirstin Poma v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2015)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Kirstin Poma filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 29, 2015, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) caused by the tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine she received on December 6, 2012. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the Tdap vaccination caused Ms.
Poma's GBS or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties reached a settlement agreement.
The joint stipulation stated that the respondent would pay Ms. Poma a lump sum of $110,000.00 as compensation for all damages.
Chief Special Master Denise Kathryn Vowell adopted the stipulation and awarded the compensation. The decision directed the clerk of the court to enter judgment in accordance with the decision, unless a motion for review was filed.
Petitioner counsel was Lawrence Cohan, Esq. Respondent counsel was Camille Collett, Esq.
The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, or expert testimony.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Kirstin Poma alleged that the Tdap vaccine administered on December 6, 2012, caused her Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a settlement, and the case was resolved via joint stipulation. The Special Master adopted the stipulation. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism of injury. Petitioner was awarded $110,000.00 as a lump sum for all damages. Chief Special Master Denise Kathryn Vowell issued the decision on May 22, 2015. Petitioner was represented by Lawrence Cohan, Esq., and respondent by Camille Collett, Esq.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_14-vv-00882