Patricia Stephens v. HHS - Influenza, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On March 9, 2020, Patricia Stephens filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on October 30, 2017, caused chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The case remained unresolved for years while petitioner received multiple extensions to obtain medical records and expert support.
No expert report or competent physician opinion established that Ms. Stephens suffered a Table injury or that the influenza vaccine caused CIDP off-Table.
Counsel later withdrew after an interim fees award, and Ms. Stephens proceeded pro se.
Court orders sent by mail were returned, email contact failed, and she did not respond to orders to show cause. On September 12, 2025, Special Master Laura D.
Millman Roth dismissed the petition for lack of prosecution and insufficient proof. No compensation was awarded.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine, October 30, 2017, adult exact age not stated, alleged chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. DISMISSED for failure to prosecute and insufficient proof. After numerous extensions, no expert report or competent medical support established a Table injury or off-Table causation; counsel withdrew after interim fees, petitioner proceeded pro se, mail was returned, email contact failed, and petitioner did not respond to orders to show cause. Special Master Roth dismissed September 12, 2025. Award: none.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00260