Robert Wechsler v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (“GBS”) and/or transverse myelitis (“TM”) (2020)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Robert Wechsler filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on July 28, 2017, alleging he developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and/or transverse myelitis (TM) after receiving a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination on February 12, 2016. The respondent denied that the vaccine caused or aggravated petitioner's alleged injuries, or that petitioner's current disabilities were the result of a vaccine-related injury.
Despite the respondent's denial, the parties reached a settlement. The respondent agreed to pay Robert Wechsler a lump sum of $50,000.00 as compensation for all available damages.
Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded the compensation. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
Petitioner was represented by Shealene Mancuso, Esq., and respondent was represented by Darryl Wishard, Esq.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Robert Wechsler alleged he developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and/or transverse myelitis (TM) after receiving a Tdap vaccination on February 12, 2016. Respondent denied causation. The parties stipulated to a settlement. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism of injury. The settlement resulted in a $50,000.00 lump sum award to the petitioner. Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth issued the decision on August 26, 2020, adopting the stipulation. Petitioner counsel was Shealene Mancuso, Esq., and respondent counsel was Darryl Wishard, Esq.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01018