Sheila English v. HHS - Influenza, Bell's palsy (2021)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Sheila English filed a petition on May 16, 2017, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 14, 2015, caused her to develop Bell's palsy. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused her condition.
The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation recommending an award of compensation. Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court.
Sheila English was awarded a lump sum of $90,000.00, payable to her, representing compensation for all damages. The decision was based on this stipulation, and judgment was entered accordingly.
Edward M. Kraus represented the petitioner, and Adriana R.
Teitel represented the respondent. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, or any expert testimony.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Sheila English alleged that an influenza vaccine administered on October 14, 2015, caused her to develop Bell's palsy. The respondent denied causation. The parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation, which Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted. Petitioner was awarded $90,000.00. The public decision does not specify the theory of causation, any medical experts, or the mechanism of injury. The award was based on a stipulation between the parties.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-00641