Cindy Bernardini v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2017)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Cindy Bernardini filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on January 17, 2017, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 3, 2013. She maintained that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that she experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that there had been no prior award or settlement for her condition.
The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her GBS or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on January 17, 2017, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.
The Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Cindy Bernardini was awarded a lump sum of $185,000.00 as compensation for all damages.
The decision was issued on June 15, 2017. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
Petitioner counsel was Michael P. Stacy.
Respondent counsel was Linda S. Renzi.
The Special Master was Nora Beth Dorsey.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Cindy Bernardini alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 3, 2013. The respondent denied that the vaccine caused the injury. The parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation, which was adopted by the Special Master. The public text does not specify the theory of causation, the mechanism of injury, or any expert testimony. Petitioner was awarded $185,000.00. The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey on June 15, 2017. Petitioner was represented by Michael P. Stacy, and respondent was represented by Linda S. Renzi.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-01274