Michelle Barnett v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2022)

Michelle Barnett alleged that the influenza vaccine she received on October 14, 2016, caused her to develop transverse myelitis. She filed her petition on October 10, 2019.

After initial filings and a status conference, the parties disputed the onset date and diagnostic issues. The court made findings of fact regarding onset, establishing that her headaches began on October 22, 2016, and ended January 1, 2017, with numbness beginning March 1, 2017.

Petitioner then indicated she would seek an expert to provide an opinion on causation. However, she later reported being unable to find an expert or treating physician willing to draft a report based on the established facts.

On August 31, 2022, Ms. Barnett moved for a decision dismissing her petition, stating her intent to protect her rights to file a civil action in the future.

The court granted the motion, dismissing the case with prejudice for insufficient proof. No compensation was awarded.