Berna Mallett v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), Necrotizing Myositis (NM), quadriparesis, gait impairment, rhabdomyolysis, and transaminitis (2017)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Berna Mallett filed a petition on April 14, 2015, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), Necrotizing Myositis (NM), quadriparesis, gait impairment, rhabdomyolysis, and transaminitis as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on November 5, 2013.
Ms. Mallett further alleged that she experienced residual effects from these conditions for more than six months.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Ms. Mallett's alleged injuries.
Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation, which was filed on June 8, 2017. Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as the decision in awarding damages. The stipulation awarded Berna Mallett a lump sum of $100,000.00, payable by check to Petitioner, as compensation for all damages available under the Act.
The decision was finalized on July 18, 2017. Petitioner was represented by Martin James Martinez of Martinez Law Office, and Respondent was represented by Lisa Ann Watts of the U.S.
Department of Justice. The public decision is designated "not to be published" but will be available on the Court of Federal Claims' website, with parties having the option to request redaction of confidential information.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Berna Mallett alleged that her November 5, 2013, influenza vaccine caused Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), Necrotizing Myositis (NM), quadriparesis, gait impairment, rhabdomyolysis, and transaminitis, with residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a settlement via stipulation, filed June 8, 2017, agreeing to an award of $100,000.00. Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation as his decision on July 18, 2017. The public decision does not describe the specific medical mechanism, expert testimony, or detailed clinical facts supporting the theory of causation, as the case was resolved by stipulation. Petitioner's counsel was Martin James Martinez, and Respondent's counsel was Lisa Ann Watts.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-00377