Kurt Rhodes v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) (2021)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Kurt Rhodes filed a petition on November 14, 2017, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. He alleged that he suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving Tdap and PCV 13 vaccinations on or about May 26, 2015.
The respondent denied that either vaccine caused Mr. Rhodes' alleged GBS or any other injury.
Despite maintaining their positions, both parties agreed to settle the case. The Special Master reviewed the file and found the stipulation to be reasonable, adopting it as its decision.
The stipulation awarded Mr. Rhodes a lump sum of $40,000.00 as compensation for all available damages.
The Special Master approved this award and directed the Clerk to enter judgment. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
The attorneys involved were Diana Stadelnikas for the Petitioner and Matthew Murphy for the Respondent. Special Master Katherine E.
Oler issued the decision.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Kurt Rhodes alleged Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following Tdap and PCV 13 vaccinations on or about May 26, 2015. Respondent denied causation. The parties entered into a joint stipulation to settle the case. The Special Master adopted the stipulation, awarding Petitioner a lump sum of $40,000.00 for all damages. The public text does not detail the specific theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism of injury. The decision was issued by Special Master Katherine E. Oler on March 5, 2021, based on a stipulation filed January 21, 2021. Petitioner's counsel was Diana Stadelnikas, and Respondent's counsel was Matthew Murphy.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01590