Patsy Nash Russell v. HHS - tetanus, Guillain Barré syndrome (“GBS”) (2014)

Patsy Nash Russell filed a petition on July 5, 2013, alleging that a tetanus vaccination received on September 26, 2010, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The respondent denied that the tetanus immunization caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury.

The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation on July 2, 2014, agreeing to a settlement. Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court.

Petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $40,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner was represented by Thomas P.

Gallagher. The parties later agreed to attorneys' fees and costs, which were approved by Special Master Dorsey in a decision dated August 12, 2014.

The total award for attorneys' fees and costs was $18,649.98, consisting of a lump sum of $18,500.00 payable jointly to petitioner and her counsel, Thomas P. Gallagher, and $149.98 payable to petitioner for out-of-pocket litigation expenses.

Gordon Shemin represented the respondent. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, or treatments.