Mary Simon v. HHS - Influenza, optic neuritis (2020)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Mary Simon filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Program on February 6, 2018, alleging that she suffered optic neuritis as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on February 3, 2017. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused her alleged injuries.
The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical details, or any medical experts consulted. However, the parties reached a stipulation to settle the case.
The stipulation provided for a lump sum award of $200,000.00 to compensate Ms. Simon for all damages.
Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation and entered judgment accordingly.
The decision was filed on April 22, 2020. Petitioner was represented by Leah V.
Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, and respondent was represented by Christine M.
Becer of the U.S. Dept. of Justice.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Mary Simon alleged that she suffered optic neuritis as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on February 3, 2017. The respondent denied causation. The parties reached a stipulation for settlement, and Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation, awarding $200,000.00 as a lump sum for all damages. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism of injury. The decision was filed on April 22, 2020. Petitioner's counsel was Leah V. Durant, and respondent's counsel was Christine M. Becer.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00182