Patricia Woolf v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2018)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Patricia Woolf filed a petition for vaccine compensation on July 5, 2017, alleging that an influenza vaccine caused her to develop Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). The record did not contain sufficient evidence to demonstrate entitlement to an award.
Specifically, the petitioner did not show that she suffered a "Table Injury" or that her injury was actually caused by the vaccine. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, diagnostic tests, or treatments.
The petition lacked supporting medical records or a competent physician's opinion. Petitioner's counsel was Richard Gage, Esq., and respondent's counsel was Darryl Wishard, Esq.
On October 5, 2018, the petitioner requested a dismissal decision. Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth issued a decision on November 5, 2018, dismissing the case for insufficient proof.
The public decision does not specify an award amount or annuity terms.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Patricia Woolf alleged that an influenza vaccine caused her to develop Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). The Special Master noted that to receive compensation, the petitioner must prove either a "Table Injury" or that the injury was actually caused by the vaccine. The record did not contain evidence of a "Table Injury" or persuasive evidence that the alleged injury was vaccine-caused. The petition lacked supporting medical records or a competent physician's opinion. Petitioner requested a dismissal decision, and Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth dismissed the case on November 5, 2018, for insufficient proof. Petitioner's counsel was Richard Gage, Esq., and respondent's counsel was Darryl Wishard, Esq. The public decision does not describe the specific vaccine date, petitioner's age at vaccination, the mechanism of causation, or expert testimony.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-00908