Patricia K. Patterson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) (2015)

Patricia K. Patterson filed a petition on November 13, 2013, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

She alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and related complications as a result of receiving an influenza ("flu") vaccine. The specific date of vaccination was not specified in the public text.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services, the respondent, denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's GBS and any related medical problems. Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to a joint stipulation filed on April 6, 2015, to settle the case.

Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court.

Under the stipulation, Petitioner was awarded a total of $500,000.00. This amount consisted of a lump sum of $460,396.07, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a), and a lump sum of $39,603.93 to reimburse a State of New York Medicaid lien.

The reimbursement for the lien was to be paid jointly to Petitioner and the New York State Department of Health. Separately, on June 3, 2015, counsel for both parties filed a joint stipulation regarding attorney's fees and costs.

Special Master Corcoran approved a lump sum of $45,000.00 for attorney's fees and costs, payable jointly to Petitioner and her counsel, Matthew F. Belanger.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, medical tests, or treatments. The public decision does not name any medical experts.