Christine Ketcham v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2015)

On September 23, 2014, Christine Ketcham filed a petition alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) caused by an influenza vaccine she received on December 11, 2012. She further alleged that she suffered residual effects from this injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged GBS or any other injury. The parties, represented by counsel Herbert L.

Waichman for the petitioner and Gordon E. Shemin for the respondent, 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 Christine Ketcham a lump sum of $250,000.00 for all damages. This award was to be paid by check to the petitioner.

Subsequently, on March 3, 2015, the parties filed a separate stipulation regarding attorneys' fees and costs. Following negotiations, the parties agreed that $15,935.00 was a reasonable amount for attorneys' fees and costs.

Special Master Millman found this amount to be reasonable and awarded it, payable by check jointly to Christine Ketcham and her attorneys, Parker Waichman L.L.P. The total compensation awarded in this case was $265,935.00.