Virginia Merrihew v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barrè syndrome (2015)

Virginia Merrihew filed a petition on December 12, 2013, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Petitioner alleged that she suffered from Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on September 30, 2012, and that she experienced the effects of this injury for more than six months.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's alleged GBS or any other injury, and further denied that Petitioner's current disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Despite these positions, both parties entered into a stipulation to settle the case, agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding Petitioner compensation.

Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the file and concluded that the parties' stipulation was reasonable, adopting it as his decision.

The stipulation awarded Virginia Merrihew a lump sum of $70,000.00, payable to her, as compensation for all remaining damages. Subsequently, on April 16, 2015, counsel for both parties filed a joint stipulation regarding attorney's fees and costs.

They agreed to an award of $15,612.00, payable jointly to Petitioner and her counsel, F. John Caldwell, Jr.

Special Master Brian H. Corcoran approved this stipulation as reasonable.

Judgment was entered accordingly.