Ana Quartarone v. HHS - Influenza, serum sickness like reaction and small fiber neuropathy (2022)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Ana Quartarone, as parent and next friend of O.Q., a minor, filed a petition for compensation on April 28, 2020. Petitioner alleged that the influenza vaccine O.Q. received on October 25, 2018, caused a serum sickness like reaction and small fiber neuropathy, with residual effects lasting more than six months.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused the alleged injuries. Despite the denial, the parties reached a stipulation for settlement.
Special Master Christian J. Moran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court.
Damages were awarded in the amount of $57,500, to be used to purchase an annuity contract, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
Howard Scott Gold represented the petitioner, and Lynn Schlie represented the respondent.
Theory of causation
Petitioner alleged that the influenza vaccine administered on October 25, 2018, caused a serum sickness like reaction and small fiber neuropathy, with residual effects lasting more than six months. The vaccine is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a stipulation for settlement, which was adopted by Special Master Christian J. Moran. The award was $57,500 to purchase an annuity, representing compensation for all damages under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The public decision does not detail the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or clinical evidence presented. Petitioner counsel was Howard Scott Gold, and respondent counsel was Lynn Schlie. The decision was filed on September 29, 2022.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00522