Wahib Mashini v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”) and Bell’s Palsy (2016)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Wahib Mashini filed a petition on July 27, 2016, alleging that the Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine administered on February 28, 2013, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Bell's Palsy. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused these conditions.
Despite the denial, both parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to an award of compensation. The Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision.
Wahib Mashini was awarded a lump sum of $50,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under the program. The parties also stipulated to waive their right to seek review of the decision.
Petitioner counsel was Paul Brazil of Muller & Brazil, LLP, and respondent counsel was Julia McInerny of the United States Department of Justice. Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman issued the decision.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Wahib Mashini alleged that the Tdap vaccine administered on February 28, 2013, caused Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Bell's Palsy. The respondent denied causation. The parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation, which the Special Master adopted. Petitioner received a lump sum award of $50,000.00, representing all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The public decision does not describe the specific medical theory of causation, onset, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert testimony. Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman issued the decision on August 31, 2016. Attorneys for the petitioner were Paul Brazil and for the respondent was Julia McInerny.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-00036