Tyler Steen v. HHS - Influenza, motor axonal neuropathy (2016)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Petitioner Tyler Steen filed a petition on January 29, 2016, alleging that he suffered from motor axonal neuropathy, which was either caused or significantly aggravated by an influenza vaccine he received on September 17, 2013. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects from this injury for more than six months.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused the petitioner's motor axonal neuropathy or any other injury, and also denied that the vaccine caused his current disabilities. The parties reached a settlement through a stipulation, which was adopted by the court.
Pursuant to the stipulation, Tyler Steen was awarded $160,000.00 as compensation for all damages. The decision was issued by Special Master Laura D.
Millman on January 29, 2016. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
The specific mechanism of causation was not detailed in the public decision.
Theory of causation
Petitioner alleged that an influenza vaccine administered on September 17, 2013, caused or aggravated a motor axonal neuropathy, with residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties resolved the matter via stipulation. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, mechanism, expert testimony, or clinical findings. A lump sum award of $160,000.00 was granted. Special Master Laura D. Millman issued the decision on January 29, 2016. Petitioner's counsel was James H. Cook, and respondent's counsel was Justine E. Walters.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-00176