Jessica Hanson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2014)

Jessica Hanson filed a petition on September 19, 2012, alleging that a trivalent influenza (flu) vaccination she received on September 29, 2009 caused her to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused or significantly aggravated petitioner's GBS and also denied that petitioner experienced symptoms for more than six months.

Nonetheless, both parties agreed to settle the case via a stipulation filed May 15, 2014. Special Master Millman found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Petitioner received a lump sum of $92,500.00, comprising $81,757.18 for past and future pain and suffering and $10,742.82 for past medical expenses, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). On August 22, 2014, the parties filed a stipulation of attorneys' fees and costs.

Special Master Millman awarded $39,250.00 payable jointly to petitioner and Conway, Homer & Chin-Caplan, P.C., plus $38.00 in petitioner's personal costs.