Stacey Nash v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2018)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Stacey Nash filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on December 29, 2015, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) caused by her January 3, 2013 influenza vaccination. She further alleged that she experienced residual effects of the condition for more than six months and that there had been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf.
The respondent denied that the influenza immunization caused her GBS or any other injury. Nevertheless, on June 27, 2017, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that compensation should be awarded.
Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Pursuant to the stipulation, Stacey Nash was awarded a lump sum of $400,000.00, payable to her, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.
The decision was entered on April 5, 2018. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
Petitioner was represented by Caroline Noel Valentino, and respondent was represented by Sarah Christina Duncan.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Stacey Nash alleged that her January 3, 2013 influenza vaccination caused Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation, which was adopted by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. The public text does not specify the theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism of injury. A lump sum award of $400,000.00 was granted. The decision date was April 5, 2018. Petitioner's counsel was Caroline Noel Valentino, and respondent's counsel was Sarah Christina Duncan.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-01587