Kenneth Rickard v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2019)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Kenneth Rickard filed a petition on March 7, 2019, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 21, 2015, and that he experienced residual effects for more than six months. The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused the petitioner's GBS or any other injury.
The parties reached a stipulation to resolve the case informally, which was filed on March 6, 2019. Special Master Laura D.
Millman adopted the terms of the stipulation, finding them reasonable. The court awarded Kenneth Rickard $105,000.00 as compensation for all damages, to be paid as a lump sum via check.
The decision was issued on March 7, 2019. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the mechanism of injury.
Petitioner was represented by John R. Howie, Jr., and respondent was represented by Althea Walker Davis.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Kenneth Rickard alleged that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on October 21, 2015, and experienced residual effects for more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties stipulated to resolve the case, and Special Master Laura D. Millman awarded petitioner $105,000.00 for all damages. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism of injury, but indicates the case was resolved via stipulation. Petitioner's counsel was John R. Howie, Jr., and respondent's counsel was Althea Walker Davis. The decision date was March 7, 2019.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01114