Vincent Louis Matassa v. HHS - Influenza, encephalopathy (2023)

Vincent Louis Matassa, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on September 18, 2018. His estate, represented by executrix Maria Lynn Myers, alleged that this vaccine caused him to suffer from an encephalopathy that eventually resulted in his death.

The estate also claimed Mr. Matassa suffered residual effects from the injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused the encephalopathy or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to compensation.

The stipulation stated that the influenza vaccine was on the Vaccine Injury Table and that Mr. Matassa suffered the alleged injury.

The court adopted the stipulation, awarding the estate a lump sum payment of $125,000.00. This amount was intended to compensate for all damages available under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

The case was resolved via stipulation, and the court directed the clerk to enter judgment accordingly.