Jimmon Watson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”), central vestibular dysfunction, encephalitis, vertigo, abnormal gait, paresthesia, diminished memory, ataxia, and astasia-abasia functional conversion disorder (2017)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Jimmon Watson filed a petition for vaccine compensation on March 23, 2017, alleging that he suffered injuries from an influenza vaccine received on October 20, 2014. The alleged injuries included Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), central vestibular dysfunction, encephalitis, vertigo, abnormal gait, paresthesia, diminished memory, ataxia, and astasia-abasia functional conversion disorder, with residual effects lasting more than six months.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused these alleged injuries. Despite maintaining their respective positions, the parties reached a stipulation to settle the case.
Special Master Laura D. Millman reviewed the stipulation and found its terms to be reasonable.
The court adopted the stipulation and awarded Jimmon Watson $20,000.00 as compensation for all damages. This award was to be made in the form of a check payable to Mr.
Watson. The decision was issued on March 23, 2017.
Bruce W. Slane represented the petitioner, and Voris E.
Johnson, Jr. represented the respondent. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the medical experts consulted by either party.
The decision also does not detail the specific mechanism of injury alleged by the petitioner.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Jimmon Watson received an influenza vaccine on October 20, 2014. He alleged that this vaccine caused Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), central vestibular dysfunction, encephalitis, vertigo, abnormal gait, paresthesia, diminished memory, ataxia, and astasia-abasia functional conversion disorder, with residual effects lasting more than six months. The respondent denied causation. The parties stipulated to settle the case, with the Special Master adopting the stipulation. The case was resolved via a Table theory, resulting in a $20,000.00 lump sum award for all damages, payable to the petitioner. Special Master Laura D. Millman issued the decision on March 23, 2017. Petitioner counsel was Bruce W. Slane, and respondent counsel was Voris E. Johnson, Jr. The public decision does not detail the specific mechanism of injury or name any medical experts.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_16-vv-00242