Lillian R. Johnson v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2017)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Petitioner Lillian R. Johnson filed a claim on July 24, 2017, alleging that she suffered transverse myelitis (TM) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on September 17, 2012.
She further alleged that the residual effects of her condition lasted for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Ms.
Johnson's TM or any other injury. The parties, represented by counsel Carol L.
Gallagher for the petitioner and Jennifer L. Reynaud for the respondent, reached a stipulation to resolve the case.
Special Master Laura D. Millman reviewed the stipulation and found its terms to be reasonable.
The court adopted the stipulation and awarded Ms. Johnson $153,000.00 in compensation for all damages available under the program.
This award was to be paid as a lump sum check to Ms. Johnson.
The decision was issued on July 24, 2017.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Lillian R. Johnson alleged that her September 17, 2012, influenza vaccine caused transverse myelitis (TM) and residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a stipulation to resolve the case, and Special Master Laura D. Millman adopted the stipulation, awarding $153,000.00 as a lump sum to petitioner. The public decision does not describe the specific medical mechanism, expert testimony, or detailed clinical facts supporting the theory of causation or the respondent's denial. The award was based on the parties' agreement rather than a finding of causation after litigation.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-00447