G.F. v. HHS - Rotavirus, intussusception (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Jamie and Aaron Fletcher, on behalf of their minor son G.F., filed a petition on October 1, 2024, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. They alleged that G.F. received a rotavirus vaccination on or about January 7, 2022, which caused him to suffer from intussusception.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reviewed the petition and medical records. In a Rule 4(c) Report dated September 30, 2024, the respondent acknowledged that the claim is compensable.
The respondent conceded that the evidence showed G.F.'s intussusception manifested between one and twenty-one days after the vaccination, that there was no evidence of an unrelated cause, and that the condition required inpatient hospitalization and surgical intervention. Based on the respondent's concession and a review of the record, Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found that Petitioners are entitled to compensation. A separate order for damages will be issued.
The public decision does not describe the specific onset symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the mechanism of injury. Petitioner counsel was Diana Lynn Stadelnikas and respondent counsel was Margaret Armstrong.
Chief Special Master Corcoran issued the ruling.
Theory of causation
Petitioners alleged that a rotavirus vaccination administered on or about January 7, 2022, caused G.F. to suffer intussusception. The respondent conceded that the evidence showed G.F.'s intussusception manifested between one and twenty-one days after vaccination, that there was no preponderant evidence of an unrelated cause, and that the condition resulted in inpatient hospitalization and surgical intervention. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found Petitioners entitled to compensation based on the respondent's concession and a review of the record. The specific theory of causation, medical experts, and detailed mechanism of injury are not described in the public decision. The outcome was entitlement granted, pending damages. The attorneys involved were Diana Lynn Stadelnikas for Petitioners and Margaret Armstrong for Respondent. The decision date was October 29, 2024.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00640