Richard Goff v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On December 19, 2023, Mira Goff, as administrator of the Estate of Richard Goff, filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The petition sought compensation for injuries allegedly related to Richard Goff's receipt of an influenza vaccine on September 17, 2020.
The petition alleged that the flu vaccine caused Mr. Goff to suffer Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), which ultimately led to his death.
The respondent denied that the vaccine caused Mr. Goff's alleged injuries, any other injury or condition, or his death.
Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation on December 19, 2023. Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as his decision. Pursuant to the stipulation, an award of a lump sum of $190,000.00, payable to Petitioner as legal representative of the estate, was granted for all items of damages.
The decision noted that the parties could jointly file notice to renounce the right to seek review to expedite entry of judgment. Petitioner's counsel was Simina Vourlis, and respondent's counsel was Meghan Murphy.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Mira Goff, as administrator of the Estate of Richard Goff, alleged that Richard Goff received an influenza vaccine on September 17, 2020, and subsequently developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), which led to his death. Respondent denied that the vaccine caused the alleged injuries or death. The parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation, awarding the estate $190,000.00 as a lump sum for all items of damages. The public decision does not describe the specific mechanism of causation, expert testimony, or detailed clinical information regarding Mr. Goff's condition or death. Petitioner's counsel was Simina Vourlis, and respondent's counsel was Meghan Murphy. The decision was issued on January 19, 2024.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00199