Sylvia Turlo v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2015)

Sylvia Turlo filed a petition on September 25, 2013, alleging that an influenza (flu) vaccination she received on October 20, 2010, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) with residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury.

The parties, represented by Ronald C. Homer of Conway, Homer & Chin-Caplan, P.C. for the petitioner and Althea W.

Davis for the respondent, agreed to a joint stipulation filed on January 9, 2015, to settle the case. Special Master Christian J.

Moran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court. Petitioner was awarded a total of $156,181.10.

This amount consisted of a lump sum of $115,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a), and an additional $41,181.10 to reimburse a Maine Medicaid lien. The reimbursement was payable jointly to petitioner Sylvia Turlo and the State of Maine.