Parris Hitchcock v. HHS - Influenza, polymyalgia rheumatica (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Parris Hitchcock filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on November 18, 2021, alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on November 18, 2020, caused him to develop polymyalgia rheumatica. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's polymyalgia rheumatica or any other injuries.
The parties, maintaining their respective positions, reached a stipulation to settle the case. The stipulation provided for a lump sum payment of $42,000, payable to the petitioner via check, as compensation for all damages.
Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation and awarded compensation accordingly.
The decision was issued on August 26, 2024. Petitioner's counsel was Elizabeth Abramson of Maglio Christopher & Toale, P.A., and respondent's counsel was Jamica Littles of the U.S.
Dept. of Justice. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, medical tests, treatments, or expert testimony.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Parris Hitchcock alleged that the influenza vaccine administered on November 18, 2020, caused him to develop polymyalgia rheumatica. The respondent denied causation. The parties stipulated to settle the case, with the respondent agreeing to compensation despite denying causation. The stipulation provided for a lump sum award of $42,000 to petitioner for all damages. Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation on August 26, 2024. The public decision does not specify a theory of causation, name experts, or detail the mechanism of injury. Petitioner's counsel was Elizabeth Abramson, and respondent's counsel was Jamica Littles.