Linda Cox v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2023)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Linda Cox filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on November 19, 2020. She alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on September 28, 2018, and that she experienced residual symptoms of this injury for more than six months.
The respondent denied that the vaccine caused her alleged injuries. The parties, however, reached a joint stipulation for settlement, which the court adopted as its decision.
Linda Cox was awarded a lump sum of $70,000.00 as compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act. The case proceeded as a Table claim, as GBS is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table for influenza vaccines.
The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran on December 5, 2023.
Petitioner was represented by Ronald Craig Homer of Conway, Homer, P.C., and respondent was represented by Madelyn Weeks of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Linda Cox alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) caused in fact by an influenza vaccine administered on September 28, 2018, and experienced residual effects for more than six months. This case proceeded as a Table claim, as GBS is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table for influenza vaccines. Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a joint stipulation for settlement, adopting the terms of which resulted in an award of $70,000.00 as compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran on December 5, 2023. Petitioner was represented by Ronald Craig Homer, and respondent was represented by Madelyn Weeks. The public decision does not detail the specific mechanism of causation, expert testimony, or the evidence considered beyond the stipulation.