Joyce Scatchard v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2023)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Joyce Scatchard filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 20, 2021. She alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on September 20, 2018.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on September 25, 2023, conceding that Ms. Scatchard is entitled to compensation.
The respondent concluded that Ms. Scatchard satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and all statutory and jurisdictional requirements.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement on September 26, 2023, finding Ms.
Scatchard entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on November 1, 2023, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Decision Awarding Damages.
In this decision, the respondent proffered an award of $190,000.00 for pain and suffering, which Ms. Scatchard agreed to.
The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded Ms.
Scatchard a lump sum payment of $190,000.00 for pain and suffering, payable by check to Petitioner. Petitioner's counsel was John Robert Howie, Jr. of Howie Law, PC.
Respondent's counsel was Katherine Carr Esposito of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Joyce Scatchard alleged Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following an influenza vaccine administered on September 20, 2018. The respondent conceded entitlement, finding that Petitioner satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and all statutory and jurisdictional requirements. The public text does not specify the mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or detailed medical evidence. A ruling on entitlement was issued by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran on September 26, 2023. A decision awarding damages was issued by Chief Special Master Corcoran on November 1, 2023, awarding Petitioner a lump sum of $190,000.00 for pain and suffering. Petitioner was represented by John Robert Howie, Jr. of Howie Law, PC, and Respondent was represented by Katherine Carr Esposito of the U.S. Department of Justice.