James Wright v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) (2019)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
James Wright filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Program on July 31, 2015. Mr.
Wright alleged that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on September 28, 2012. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr.
Wright's alleged injuries. Despite maintaining their respective positions, the parties reached a stipulation for award.
The stipulation provided for a lump sum payment of $30,000.00, payable to Mr. Wright, representing compensation for all damages available under the program.
Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the parties' stipulation and ordered that judgment be entered accordingly.
The decision was filed on November 22, 2019. Petitioner's counsel was Jeffrey S.
Pop of Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates.
Respondent's counsel was Camille M. Collett of the U.S.
Dept. of Justice.
Theory of causation
Petitioner James Wright received an influenza vaccine on September 28, 2012, and alleged he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) as a result. The respondent denied causation. The parties reached a stipulation for award, agreeing to settle the issues and award compensation. The stipulation provided for a lump sum of $30,000.00, payable to petitioner, for all damages. Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation and ordered judgment entered. The decision was filed on November 22, 2019. Petitioner's counsel was Jeffrey S. Pop, and respondent's counsel was Camille M. Collett. The specific medical mechanism or expert testimony supporting the theory of causation was not described in the public decision text.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-00815