Lawr-Alea Walton v. HHS - Influenza, narcolepsy and cataplexy (2016)

On December 6, 2013, Lawr-Alea Walton filed a petition on behalf of her minor child, A.W., alleging that A.W. developed narcolepsy and cataplexy as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 11, 2010. The petition further alleged that A.W. experienced residual effects of the injury for more than six months.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused A.W.'s conditions but agreed to a joint stipulation for damages. The parties filed this stipulation on March 4, 2016.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court.

The stipulation awarded A.W. a total of $49,226.96, plus an amount to purchase an annuity. The lump sum of $46,226.96 was payable to petitioner as guardian/conservator of A.W.'s estate and included $8,729.96 for first-year life care expenses and $37,500.00 for pain and suffering.

An additional lump sum of $3,000.00 was payable to petitioner, Lawr-Alea Walton, for past unreimbursable expenses. The case was resolved via this joint stipulation, and judgment was entered accordingly.

Petitioner's counsel was Karl J. Protil, Jr. of Shulman, Rogers, et al.

Respondent's counsel was Michael P. Milmoe of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.