Steven T. Maupin v. HHS - Influenza, vasovagal syncope, facial lacerations, closed fracture of the nasal bones, concussion, central cord syndrome, severe cervical stenosis C4-7, myelomalacia C5-C7, cervical laminectomy and fusion C3-C7, and coccyx pressure sore (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On November 5, 2024, Steven T. Maupin filed a petition alleging that he experienced vasovagal syncope when he received an influenza vaccine on November 15, 2021.
He alleged that the fainting episode led to facial lacerations, a closed nasal-bone fracture, concussion, central cord syndrome, severe C4-C7 cervical stenosis, C5-C7 myelomalacia, C3-C7 cervical laminectomy and fusion, and a coccyx pressure sore with sequelae lasting more than six months. Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report filed September 2, 2025.
The concession stated that Mr. Maupin satisfied the recently revised Vaccine Injury Table and QAI for vasovagal syncope because onset occurred within one hour after seasonal flu vaccination and there was no apparent alternative cause.
The short public ruling does not include the emergency or surgical records in detail. Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found Mr. Maupin entitled to compensation on January 6, 2026.
Damages remained to be determined.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine November 15, 2021 causing Table vasovagal syncope with alleged fall-related facial lacerations, nasal fracture, concussion, central cord syndrome, severe cervical stenosis, myelomalacia, cervical laminectomy/fusion, and coccyx pressure sore; adult, exact age not stated. ENTITLEMENT GRANTED; damages pending. Respondent conceded Table syncope within one hour and no apparent alternative cause, with residual effects over six months. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition November 5, 2024; decision January 6, 2026.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01813