Melva Mooneyham v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2014)

Melva Mooneyham filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on November 12, 2013. She alleged that a flu vaccination received on October 3, 2012, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with residual effects lasting more than six months.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused GBS or any other injury or disability. The parties subsequently agreed to a joint stipulation filed on July 31, 2014, to settle the case.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen reviewed the stipulation and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Under the terms of the stipulation, the respondent agreed to pay petitioner Melva Mooneyham a lump sum of $25,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Additionally, a lump sum of $9,543.00 was awarded for attorneys' fees and costs, payable jointly to petitioner and her attorney, Diana Stadelnikas Sedar, Esq.

No out-of-pocket expenses were incurred by the petitioner. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.