VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00978
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00978
Petitioner: Ellie Hopkins
Filed: 2024-06-26
Decided: 2025-08-19
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2021-09-29
Condition: Guillain-Barre syndrome
Outcome: entitlement_granted_pending_damages
Award amount USD: 

AI-assisted case summary:
On June 26, 2024, Ellie Hopkins filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on September 29, 2021 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. The public entitlement ruling is short and does not describe the detailed onset, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, or treatment history.

Respondent conceded entitlement, and Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found Ms. Hopkins entitled to compensation on August 19, 2025. The decision resolved entitlement only, leaving damages for later proceedings. Ms. Hopkins was represented by Alison Haskins.

Theory of causation field:
Influenza vaccine on September 29, 2021, adult exact age not stated, causing Guillain-Barre syndrome. ENTITLEMENT GRANTED; damages pending. Public entitlement ruling is brief and based on respondent's Rule 4(c) concession; detailed medical timeline is not provided in the public decision. Chief Special Master Corcoran, August 19, 2025. Attorney: Alison Haskins.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00978-0
Date issued/filed: 2025-09-22
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 08/19/2025) regarding 33 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (nh) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:24-vv-00978-UNJ Document 36 Filed 09/22/25 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 24-0978V
ELLIE HOPKINS, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: August 19, 2025
v.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Alison Haskins, Siri & Glimstad, LLP, Aventura, FL, for Petitioner.
Rochelle Ilana Gillenson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On June 26, 2024, Ellie Hopkins filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) as a
result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine she received on September 29, 2021. Petition at 1.
Petitioner further alleges that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than
six months. Petition at 13. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the
Office of Special Masters.
On August 18, 2025, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes
that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at
1. Specifically, Respondent states that “petitioner has satisfied the criteria set forth in the
1 Because this Ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made
publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or
at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government
Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government
Services). This means the Ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance
with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information,
the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that
the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2018).

Case 1:24-vv-00978-UNJ Document 36 Filed 09/22/25 Page 2 of 2
Vaccine Injury Table (Table) and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation (QAI), which
afford petitioner a presumption of causation if the onset of GBS occurs between three
and forty-two days after a seasonal flu vaccination and there is no apparent alternative
cause.” Id. at 8. Respondent further agrees that I issue a decision on entitlement and a
damages order. Id. at 9.
In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that
Petitioner is entitled to compensation.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
2