Allison Ferrini v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2019)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On October 23, 2018, Allison Ferrini, as parent and natural guardian of minor W.F., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The petition alleged that W.F. received an influenza vaccine on November 13, 2015, and subsequently developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a report on December 30, 2019, conceding that W.F. is entitled to compensation. The respondent agreed that the alleged injury was consistent with GBS and that W.F. met the statutory requirements for compensation, including suffering the condition for more than six months.
Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the medical records and the respondent's concession. Based on this review, Special Master Dorsey found that W.F. is entitled to compensation and ordered that the case proceed to the damages phase.
Petitioner's counsel was Bridget C. McCullough of Muller Brazil, LLP, and respondent's counsel was Ronalda E.
Kosh of the United States Department of Justice. The decision was issued on December 31, 2019.
Theory of causation
Petitioner alleged that W.F. received an influenza vaccine on November 13, 2015, and subsequently developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that the alleged injury was consistent with GBS and that W.F. met the statutory requirements, including suffering the condition for more than six months. The public decision does not describe the specific mechanism of causation, medical experts, or detailed clinical findings. Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey ruled on entitlement based on the respondent's concession and a review of the record, ordering the case to proceed to the damages phase. The decision date was December 31, 2019. Petitioner's counsel was Bridget C. McCullough, and respondent's counsel was Ronalda E. Kosh.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01628