Laura J. Lebel v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2014)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Laura J. Lebel filed a petition on November 12, 2013, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 4, 2011, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury. The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation on September 19, 2014, agreeing to settle the case.
Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court. Petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $600,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
Attorneys' fees and costs in the amount of $24,536.28 were awarded separately in a decision dated November 21, 2014. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.
Petitioner was represented by Paul M. Iannaccone of RisCassi and Davis, P.C., and the respondent was represented by Gordon Shemin of the United States Department of Justice.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Laura J. Lebel alleged that an influenza vaccine received on October 4, 2011, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a joint stipulation on September 19, 2014, leading to a decision by Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman. Petitioner was awarded $600,000.00 in total compensation, plus $24,536.28 for attorneys' fees and costs, awarded on November 21, 2014. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism linking the vaccine to GBS, relying instead on the parties' stipulation for resolution.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00897