Deborah Chrowl v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2018)

Filed 2017-08-07Decided 2018-01-29Vaccine Influenza
compensated$195,000

Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]

Deborah Chrowl filed a petition on August 7, 2017, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she received an influenza vaccine on October 20, 2015, and subsequently developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) with residual effects lasting more than six months.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or current condition. Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on August 4, 2017, agreeing to an award of compensation.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the court. The decision awarded Deborah Chrowl a lump sum of $195,000.00, payable by check, as compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Judgment was to be entered accordingly, unless a motion for review was filed.

Theory of causation

Petitioner Deborah Chrowl alleged that an influenza vaccine administered on October 20, 2015, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and residual effects lasting over six months. Respondent denied that the vaccine caused the alleged GBS or current condition. The parties reached a joint stipulation for compensation, which was adopted by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. The stipulation resulted in an award of $195,000.00. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism by which the vaccine allegedly caused GBS. The case was resolved via stipulation rather than litigation on the merits of causation.

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