Lora Anne Zimmer v. HHS - Influenza, bilateral upper extremity swelling, paresthesias, and arthritis (2014)

Lora Anne Zimmer filed a petition on June 26, 2013, seeking compensation for injuries she alleged were caused by an influenza vaccination received on November 17, 2010. Ms.

Zimmer claimed that the vaccine induced an allergic reaction, leading to bilateral upper extremity swelling, paresthesias, and arthritis, with residual effects lasting more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccination caused petitioner's alleged injuries or her current condition.

Despite the denials, both parties entered into a joint stipulation on May 1, 2014, to resolve the case. Special Master Christian J.

Moran reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court. As part of the stipulation, Ms.

Zimmer was awarded a lump sum of $20,000.00, payable by check to her. This amount was intended to compensate for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests performed, treatments received, or the names of any medical experts consulted by either party. The attorneys involved were Mark T.

Sadaka of Sadaka & Associates for the petitioner and Alexis Babcock of the U.S. Department of Justice for the respondent.