Stephen Knowles v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2016)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On March 21, 2016, Stephen Knowles filed a Vaccine Program petition after receiving an influenza vaccine on September 17, 2015. He alleged that the flu shot was followed by Guillain-Barre Syndrome and that the residual effects lasted more than six months.
The public decision was entered on a joint stipulation and does not provide a hospitalization, testing, treatment, or rehabilitation timeline. It does show that Knowles attributed GBS to the September 2015 influenza vaccination, while respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused any injury.
The parties filed a joint stipulation on September 21, 2016. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found it reasonable and adopted it on September 26, 2016.
Knowles was awarded a lump sum of $495,000.00, payable to him, representing all damages available under section 15(a). He was represented by Renee J.
Gentry of the Vaccine Injury Clinic at George Washington University Law School.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine (September 17, 2015) alleged to cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome with residual effects more than six months. COMPENSATED by joint stipulation. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused any injury; public stipulation contains limited clinical facts despite large award. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted the stipulation on September 26, 2016. Award: $495,000.00 lump sum payable to Stephen Knowles for all section 15(a) damages. Attorney: Renee J. Gentry, Vaccine Injury Clinic, George Washington University Law School.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_16-vv-00365