Nancy May v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2014)

Petitioner Nancy May alleged that her Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) was caused by her October 1, 2009 receipt of a seasonal influenza vaccine, and that she suffered residual effects for more than six months. The respondent denied causation. The parties reached a stipulation to resolve the matter, and Special Master Laura D. Millman adopted the stipulation, awarding compensation. The public decision does not describe the specific medical experts, clinical details of the GBS onset or progression, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the precise mechanism of causation. The award included $5,118.12 for a Medicaid lien and $200,000.00 for damages, totaling $205,118.12 in damages. Attorneys' fees and costs of $21,600.00 were awarded separately, making the total award $226,818.12. The decision was issued on April 18, 2014, with attorneys' fees awarded on October 23, 2014. Petitioner was represented by John R. Howie, Jr., and respondent was represented by Gordon E. Shemin.