Linda Vanslyke v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2015)

Linda Vanslyke filed a petition on September 27, 2013, alleging that a trivalent influenza vaccine she received on October 8, 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, and further denied that her current disabilities were a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.

On May 29, 2015, the parties filed a joint stipulation 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 lump sum of $270,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

Attorneys' fees and costs totaling $29,000.00 were awarded separately, payable to petitioner Linda Vanslyke and her attorney Clifford J. Shoemaker of Shoemaker and Associates.

Additionally, out-of-pocket expenses of $401.12 were awarded to petitioner Linda Vanslyke. The decision was issued on June 2, 2015.

A subsequent decision on November 24, 2015, finalized the award for attorneys' fees and costs. The public decision does not describe the specific onset, symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses involved in this case.