Jackie Allen Williams v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2014)

Jackie Allen Williams filed a petition on December 29, 2014, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) caused by an influenza vaccine he received on March 16, 2011. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects from this injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the influenza vaccination caused Mr. Williams' GBS or any other injury.

Despite the respondent's denial of causation, the parties reached a stipulation to resolve the case. Special Master Laura D.

Millman reviewed the stipulation and found its terms to be reasonable. The court adopted the stipulation and awarded Jackie Allen Williams compensation.

The award included a lump sum of $44,931.14 for all damages, a lump sum of $68.68 to satisfy a Medicaid lien from the State of Idaho, and a lump sum of $25,907.00 for reimbursement of a medical expense related to his GBS. The award for damages and the Medicaid lien satisfaction were made payable to petitioner, while the medical expense reimbursement was made payable jointly to petitioner and Community Hospital of Anaconda.

Separately, on December 31, 2014, Special Master Millman issued a decision regarding attorneys' fees and costs. The parties had filed a stipulation of fact agreeing on the amount.

Petitioner asserted no costs were incurred. After informal discussions where the respondent raised objections to certain items in the petitioner's initial application, the application was amended.

The final agreed-upon amount for attorneys' fees and costs was $12,611.05. Respondent did not object to this amount, and Special Master Millman found it reasonable.

This award was made payable jointly to petitioner and Maglio, Christopher, & Toale, P.A. The total award to the petitioner was $44,931.14 for damages, $68.68 for the Medicaid lien, and $25,907.00 for medical expenses, plus $12,611.05 for attorneys' fees and costs.