Donald Sipes v. HHS - Influenza, Transverse Myelitis (2020)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Donald Sipes filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on June 12, 2018, alleging he suffered from Transverse Myelitis as a result of an influenza vaccination received on September 3, 2015. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr.
Sipes's alleged injury or his current condition. Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to settle the case through a joint stipulation filed on August 19, 2020.
Special Master Katherine E. Oler reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as the decision for awarding damages.
The stipulation awarded Mr. Sipes a lump sum of $175,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under the program.
The Special Master approved this award and directed that judgment be entered accordingly, unless a motion for review was filed. Gary A.
Butler represented the Petitioner, and Althea W. Davis represented the Respondent.
The decision was issued on November 2, 2020.
Theory of causation
Donald Sipes filed a petition on June 12, 2018, alleging Transverse Myelitis as a result of an influenza vaccination received on September 3, 2015. The respondent denied causation. The parties reached a settlement via joint stipulation filed August 19, 2020. The stipulation awarded Petitioner a lump sum of $175,000.00 for all damages. Special Master Katherine E. Oler adopted the stipulation as her decision on November 2, 2020. The public text does not describe the specific theory of causation, medical experts, onset, symptoms, tests, or treatments.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00835