Lauren Elwell v. HHS - MMR, chronic arthritis (2023)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Lauren Elwell filed a petition on January 17, 2023, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she suffered a Table Injury of chronic arthritis as a result of receiving the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine on July 23, 2020, and that she experienced residual effects of this injury for more than six months.
The respondent denied that the MMR vaccine caused Petitioner's injury or any other condition, and also denied that her current condition was a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Despite maintaining their positions, both parties agreed to settle the case.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the file and adopted the parties' stipulation.
The stipulation awarded Lauren Elwell a lump sum of $100,000.00, payable by check to Petitioner, as compensation for all damages available under Section 15(a) of the Act. The decision was issued on February 13, 2023.
Petitioner's counsel was Michael D. Sechrest of Warner, Sechrest & Butts, PA.
Respondent's counsel was Nancy Tinch of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Lauren Elwell alleged a Table Injury of chronic arthritis following receipt of the MMR vaccine on July 23, 2020, with residual effects lasting more than six months. The respondent denied causation. The parties stipulated to settle the case, and Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation. The award was a lump sum of $100,000.00 for all damages under Section 15(a) of the Act. The decision date was February 13, 2023. Petitioner's counsel was Michael D. Sechrest, and respondent's counsel was Nancy Tinch. The specific medical mechanism, onset, symptoms, tests, treatments, and expert testimony were not described in the public decision, as the case was resolved by stipulation.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00779