Bruce Matzner v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain Barré Syndrome (2023)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Bruce Matzner filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on December 27, 2022, alleging that he suffered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving the influenza vaccine on September 11, 2020. Mr.
Matzner submitted medical records to support his claim. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Mr.
Matzner is entitled to compensation. The respondent stated that Mr.
Matzner satisfied the criteria for GBS as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and its Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation. Special Master Thomas L.
Gowen found that Mr. Matzner is entitled to compensation, and a separate damages order would be issued.
The case proceeded as a Table claim, and entitlement was granted pending a determination of damages. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.
Jessica A. Wallace represented the petitioner, and Mallori B.
Openchowski represented the respondent.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Bruce Matzner alleged Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following an influenza vaccine administered on September 11, 2020. The respondent conceded entitlement, stating that petitioner satisfied the criteria for GBS as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and its Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation. The Special Master granted entitlement pending a damages determination. The public text does not detail the specific mechanism of causation, expert testimony, or the breakdown of the award. Special Master Thomas L. Gowen issued the ruling on entitlement on January 27, 2023. Petitioner counsel was Jessica A. Wallace, and respondent counsel was Mallori B. Openchowski.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00323