Thomas Stokes v. HHS - Influenza, autoimmune encephalopathy (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On February 14, 2025, Thomas Stokes filed a petition seeking compensation under the Vaccine Program, alleging autoimmune encephalopathy after receiving influenza on October 5, 2022. He stated that continuing would be unreasonable and would waste the resources of the Court, respondent, and the Vaccine Program.
Mr. Stokes moved to dismiss because he was unable to secure an expert opinion; the dismissal decision does not provide a clinical chronology, diagnostic testing, treatment history, or expert analysis.
On February 26, 2026, Special Master Thomas L. Gowen dismissed the petition, and no vaccine-injury compensation was awarded.
Petitioner was represented by Leigh Finfer, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA.
Theory of causation
influenza vaccine on October 5, 2022 (exact age not stated) allegedly causing autoimmune encephalopathy. DISMISSED. Mr. Stokes moved to dismiss because he was unable to secure an expert opinion; the dismissal decision does not provide a clinical chronology, diagnostic testing, treatment history, or expert analysis. Award/status: no vaccine-injury compensation. Special Master Thomas L. Gowen; petition filed February 14, 2025; decision February 26, 2026. Attorney: Leigh Finfer, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA. No compensable causation finding.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-00269