Suzanne Hackett v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barre syndrome [GBS] (2015)

Suzanne Hackett filed a petition on April 6, 2015, alleging that she suffered from Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving a Tdap vaccine on July 23, 2012, and that she experienced residual effects of this injury for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused her alleged injuries or any other injury or her current condition.

Despite the respondent's denial, the parties reached a joint stipulation for compensation. On April 28, 2015, Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen issued a decision approving the stipulation, awarding Suzanne Hackett a lump sum of $105,000.00, payable to her, as compensation for all damages. This award was entered in accordance with the terms of the parties' stipulation.

Subsequently, on May 20, 2015, the parties filed a stipulation concerning attorneys' fees and costs. On May 20, 2015, Special Master Gowen issued a decision on attorneys' fees and costs, awarding a lump sum of $15,750.00, payable jointly to Ms.

Hackett and her attorney, Diana L. Stadelnikas Sedar, Esq.

This award was for petitioner's attorneys' fees and costs, and was deemed appropriate because the petition was brought in good faith and had a reasonable basis. The total compensation awarded to Suzanne Hackett was $120,750.00.

Petitioner was represented by Diana Stadelnikas Sedar, Esq. of Maglio, Christopher and Toale, Pa. Respondent was represented by Alexis Babcock, Esq., of the U.S.

Department of Justice.