John Ford v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2016)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
John Ford filed a petition on January 5, 2015, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on December 10, 2012. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects from this injury for more than six months.
The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr. Ford's GBS or any other injury.
Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on January 19, 2016, agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. The Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.
Mr. Ford was awarded a lump sum of $291,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.
The decision was entered on May 4, 2016. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
Petitioner counsel was Isaiah Richard Kalinowski of Maglio Christopher and Toale, PA. Respondent counsel was Linda Sara Renzi of the U.S.
Department of Justice. The Special Master was Nora Beth Dorsey.
Theory of causation
Petitioner John Ford alleged that an influenza vaccine administered on December 10, 2012, caused Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation, which was adopted by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. Petitioner was awarded $291,000.00. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism of injury. Petitioner was represented by Isaiah Richard Kalinowski, and respondent by Linda Sara Renzi. The decision date was May 4, 2016.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-00012