Michael Williamson v. HHS - Influenza, brachial neuritis (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Michael Williamson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on May 21, 2021, alleging that he suffered from brachial neuritis as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 21, 2019. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr.
Williamson's injury or any other injury or his current condition. Despite maintaining their respective positions on causation, the parties reached a stipulation to settle the case.
The stipulation provided for an award of compensation to Mr. Williamson.
Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation.
The decision, issued on May 13, 2024, awarded Mr. Williamson a lump sum of $30,000.00, payable by check to petitioner, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
The Clerk of the Court was ordered to enter judgment in accordance with the stipulation. Petitioner was represented by Laura Levenberg of Muller Brazil, and respondent was represented by Sarah B.
Rifkin of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The public decision does not describe the onset, symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses involved in this case.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Michael Williamson alleged that he suffered from brachial neuritis as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 21, 2019. The respondent denied that the vaccine caused the alleged injury. The parties reached a stipulation to settle the case, and Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation. The case was compensated based on the stipulation, with an award of $30,000.00. The public decision does not specify the theory of causation, the mechanism of injury, or any expert testimony. Petitioner was represented by Laura Levenberg, and respondent was represented by Sarah B. Rifkin.