Autumn Morgan v. HHS - Meningococcal, vasovagal syncope (2020)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Autumn Morgan filed a petition for vaccine injury compensation on December 6, 2019, alleging that she suffered vasovagal syncope as a result of influenza and meningococcal vaccines received on September 7, 2016. The respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report on December 2, 2019, conceding that Ms.
Morgan was entitled to compensation. The respondent's report stated that the Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation Programs (DICP) determined that Ms.
Morgan's medical course was consistent with vasovagal syncope following her flu and meningococcal vaccines on September 7, 2016, as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table. DICP did not identify other causes for her vasovagal syncope within one hour of vaccination, and records showed sequelae of her injury for more than six months after vaccination.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement on December 6, 2019, finding Ms.
Morgan entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on May 20, 2020, the respondent filed a proffer recommending an award of $62,983.82.
This amount included $60,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,983.82 for past unreimbursed expenses. The petitioner agreed with this proffered award.
On May 21, 2020, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Decision Awarding Damages, awarding Ms. Morgan the stipulated amount of $62,983.82 as a lump sum payment.
The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran, with petitioner represented by Paul R.
Brazil of Muller Brazil, LLP, and respondent represented by Colleen Clemons Hartley of the U.S. Department of Justice.