{"package_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754","decision_granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754-0","petitioner_identifier":"Kari Morey","is_minor":0,"age_at_vaccination":29.0,"age_unit_raw":"years","vaccine_type":"HPV","vaccination_date":"2019-07-11","condition_raw":"high blood pressure readings and abnormal liver enzyme tests results, chest pain and palpitations, headaches and migraines, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure when standing, dizziness, tunnel vision, blurry vision, abdominal pain, digestive issues, insomnia, tremors, difficulty with memory and concentration, pain, and tingling and numbness in her legs, arms, neck","condition_category":"other","autism_spectrum_adjacent":0,"outcome":"dismissed","award_amount_usd":null,"decision_date":"2025-07-15","extraction_version":"gemini-v2","extracted_at":"2026-04-30T02:02:12.257041+00:00","number_of_concurrent_vaccines":1,"dose_number":3,"time_to_onset_days":90,"theory_of_causation":"Petitioner Kari Morey, age 29, received three HPV vaccinations on January 10, March 11, and July 11, 2019. She alleged onset of symptoms including high blood pressure, abnormal liver enzymes, chest pain, palpitations, headaches, rapid heart rate, dizziness, vision issues, abdominal pain, digestive issues, insomnia, tremors, memory and concentration difficulties, pain, and tingling/numbness in extremities within a few months of the last vaccination, with emergency room visit in January 2020. The petition was filed on October 25, 2024, which was untimely under the Vaccine Act's 36-month statute of limitations, which begins to run from the manifestation of the first objectively cognizable symptom. Petitioner argued for equitable tolling, citing lack of a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) at vaccination and late discovery of potential adverse effects and the Vaccine Program in September 2023, as well as alleged fraudulent conduct by the manufacturer. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran dismissed the case, finding Petitioner failed to establish diligent pursuit of rights or extraordinary circumstances for equitable tolling. The court held that the Vaccine Act lacks a discovery rule, and failure to receive a VIS or be aware of the Program does not support tolling. Allegations of manufacturer misconduct were deemed speculative and not a basis for tolling. The decision referenced prior rulings that medical science does not predominantly support claims that the HPV vaccine causes autonomic issues. Petitioner was represented by Bijan Esfandiari (Wisner Baum LLP), and Respondent by Heather L. Pearlman (U.S. Department of Justice). Decision date: July 15, 2025.","is_death":0,"date_of_death":null,"petition_filed_date":"2024-06-18","case_summary":"Kari Morey, a 29-year-old adult, filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 25, 2024. She alleged that she suffered various injuries from three human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations received on January 10, 2019, March 11, 2019, and July 11, 2019. Ms. Morey stated that within a few months of the last vaccination, she began experiencing high blood pressure readings and abnormal liver enzyme test results. She reported going to the emergency room in January 2020 for chest pain and palpitations, and also experienced headaches, migraines, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure when standing, dizziness, tunnel vision, blurry vision, abdominal pain, digestive issues, insomnia, tremors, difficulty with memory and concentration, pain, and tingling and numbness in her legs, arms, and neck. The petition was filed more than three years after her last vaccination and over four years after she began manifesting symptoms in January 2020. Ms. Morey argued for equitable tolling, asserting that she was not provided with a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) at the time of vaccination and only learned about potential adverse effects of the HPV vaccine and the Vaccine Program in September 2023. She also alleged fraudulent conduct by the vaccine manufacturer. The respondent argued for dismissal due to untimeliness. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran ordered Ms. Morey to show cause why the claim had not been filed outside the Act's 36-month statute of limitations. In her response, Ms. Morey argued for equitable tolling, stating she had diligently pursued her rights once she realized the connection between her injuries and the vaccine and became aware of the Program. The court found that the petition was untimely filed and that Ms. Morey failed to establish grounds for equitable tolling. The court noted that the Vaccine Act does not have a discovery rule and that the statute of limitations begins to run from the manifestation of the first objectively cognizable symptom. The court also stated that the failure to be informed about the Vaccine Program or receive a VIS does not support equitable tolling. Allegations of manufacturer misconduct were deemed speculative and not a basis for tolling. The court referenced prior decisions where it has ruled that medical science does not predominantly support the contention that the HPV vaccine can cause various autonomic issues. Consequently, the case was dismissed for being untimely filed. Petitioner was represented by Bijan Esfandiari of Wisner Baum LLP, and the respondent was represented by Heather L. Pearlman of the U.S. Department of Justice. The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran.","is_minor_inferred":0,"is_pediatric_broad":0,"special_master":"Brian H. Corcoran","petitioner_identifier_original":null,"caption_petitioner_name":"Kari Morey","petitioner_attorney_name":"Bijan Esfandiari","petitioner_attorney_firm":"Wisner Baum LLP","petitioner_attorney_location":"Los Angeles, CA","adjudicator_name":null,"caption_people_backfilled_at":"2026-05-05 23:43:30","attorney_canonical_keys":"|bijan-esfandiari|","firm_canonical_key":"wisner-baum","package_title":"MOREY v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","canonical_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754","plain_text_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754.txt","json_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754.json","source_documents":[{"granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754-0","title":"MOREY v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","docket_text":"PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 6/18/2025) regarding 9 DECISION of Special Master. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (abs) Service on parties made.","date_issued":"2025-07-15","pdf_url":"https://api.govinfo.gov/packages/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754/granules/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754-0/pdf","pdf_bytes":226050,"triage_decision":"keep","triage_reason":"docketText matches keep keyword 'decision of special master'","download_status":"ok","registry_pdf_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/pdf/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01754-0"}]}