Tara Brooks v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) (2020)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Tara Brooks filed a petition on May 19, 2020, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of a flu vaccination she received on December 31, 2016.
The respondent denied that Petitioner sustained a GBS Table injury and denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged GBS or any other injury. Despite these positions, both parties agreed to settle the case and that a decision should be entered awarding Petitioner compensation.
The stipulation awarded a lump sum of $17,784.26 to reimburse a Medicaid lien and a lump sum of $165,000.00 to Petitioner. This award represents compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
Special Master Katherine E. Oler reviewed the file and concluded that the stipulation was reasonable, adopting it as the decision and awarding damages.
Petitioner was represented by Randall Knutson of Knutson & Casey Law Firm, and Respondent was represented by Linda Renzi of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The decision was issued on July 8, 2020.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Tara Brooks alleged GBS following a December 31, 2016, influenza vaccination. Respondent denied a Table injury and causation. The parties stipulated to settlement and compensation. The public decision does not describe the specific theory of causation, medical experts, onset, symptoms, tests, or treatments. The award was $17,784.26 for a Medicaid lien reimbursement and $165,000.00 to Petitioner, totaling $182,784.26, representing all damages under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Special Master Katherine E. Oler issued the decision on July 8, 2020, based on the stipulation. Petitioner counsel was Randall Knutson, and Respondent counsel was Linda Renzi. The case falls under the "Table" category for GBS.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01195