Samantha Cantu v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2021)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Samantha Cantu filed a petition on December 2, 2016, alleging that an influenza vaccine received on December 6, 2013, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Respondent denied that the vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury.
The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation recommending an award of compensation. The stipulation detailed a lump sum payment of $125,000.00 to petitioner and an additional $29,604.55 to reimburse a Medicaid lien.
Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court, awarding a total of $154,604.55. Petitioner was represented by Edward M.
Kraus of the Law Offices of Chicago Kent, and respondent was represented by Sarah Duncan of the United States Department of Justice. The decision was based on the stipulation, and judgment was to be entered in accordance with its terms.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Samantha Cantu alleged that an influenza vaccine administered on December 6, 2013, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a stipulation for compensation, which was adopted by Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. The stipulation did not detail the specific theory of causation or name any experts. The award included a lump sum of $125,000.00 to petitioner and $29,604.55 for a Medicaid lien reimbursement, totaling $154,604.55. The decision was filed on March 30, 2021. Petitioner's counsel was Edward M. Kraus, and respondent's counsel was Sarah Duncan.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_16-vv-01600