Manny Figueroa v. HHS - Influenza, Miller Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (2015)

Stephanie Figueroa, as personal representative of the estate of Manny Figueroa, deceased, filed a petition on November 1, 2010, alleging that Manny Figueroa suffered from the Miller Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on or around October 21, 2008. The precise date of vaccination was later determined by the Special Master to be between October 22, 2008, and November 1, 2008.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr. Figueroa's condition or death, or was a substantial factor in his death.

Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation for damages. Under this stipulation, approved by Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman, Petitioner was to receive a lump sum of $175,000.00, payable to the estate, as compensation for all damages.

The decision on damages was issued on March 16, 2015. Separately, the parties filed a stipulation regarding attorneys' fees and costs.

The parties agreed to an award of $110,000.00 for attorneys' fees and costs, which Special Master Hamilton-Fieldman found to be reasonable and appropriate, noting that the petition was brought in good faith with a reasonable basis. This award was made payable jointly to Petitioner and her counsel, Michael B.

Feiler of Feiler & Leach, P.L. The decision on fees and costs was issued on February 24, 2015.

Judgment was to be entered in accordance with both stipulations.