Paula J. Williams v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2015)

Paula J. Williams filed a petition on October 27, 2010, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on November 7, 2008, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's GBS or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties reached a joint stipulation regarding damages.

Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court on June 3, 2015. Under the terms of the stipulation, Paula J.

Williams was awarded compensation totaling $185,870.94. This amount included a lump sum of $185,000.00 payable to Petitioner and a separate lump sum of $870.94 payable jointly to Petitioner and Recovery Management Systems, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona, to reimburse a Medicaid lien.

These payments were designated as compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner was represented by Peter H.

Meyers of the National Law Center, and the respondent was represented by Justine E. Walters of the United States Department of Justice.

On January 20, 2016, the parties filed a stipulation concerning attorneys' fees and costs. Special Master Hamilton-Fieldman reviewed this stipulation and awarded $61,000.00 in attorneys' fees and costs.

This amount was payable jointly to Petitioner Paula J. Williams and her counsel, Renee J.

Gentry of Shoemaker, Gentry & Knickelbein. Petitioner's counsel represented that Petitioner had not personally incurred any out-of-pocket litigation costs.

The decision notes that it is unpublished and that parties had 14 days to request redaction of information.