Meryl Thibodeaux v. HHS - Influenza, arm pain, vomiting, nausea, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, loss of equilibrium, bruising (from falling), and hearing loss (2015)

On February 19, 2015, Meryl Thibodeaux filed a petition alleging that she developed arm pain, vomiting, nausea, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, loss of equilibrium, bruising from falling, and hearing loss as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on November 15, 2010. She further alleged that these conditions resulted in residual effects lasting more than six months.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused these conditions, except for hearing loss for more than six months. The parties reached a stipulation to resolve the matter.

Special Master Laura D. Millman adopted the stipulation, awarding Meryl Thibodeaux $20,000.00 for all damages and $7,500.00 for attorneys' fees and costs, for a total award of $27,500.00.

The award for damages was to be paid as a lump sum check made payable to the petitioner, and the award for attorneys' fees and costs was to be paid as a lump sum check made payable jointly to the petitioner and Cave Law Firm, L.L.C. The decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical details, medical tests, treatments, or expert testimony.

Petitioner was represented by Michael L. Cave, and respondent was represented by Debra A.

Filteau Begley.