Judy Becker v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2015)

Judy Becker filed a petition on April 29, 2014, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving a Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine on or about August 1, 2011. She further alleged that she experienced residual effects of her injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the Tdap vaccination caused her GBS or any other injury. Nevertheless, on November 10, 2015, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to an award of compensation.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation, awarding Judy Becker a lump sum of $525,000.00 for all damages.

Subsequently, on December 16, 2015, the parties filed a stipulation for attorneys' fees and costs, requesting $48,994.35, which Special Master Gowen also approved. Judgment was entered in accordance with these stipulations.

Petitioner was represented by Amber D. Wilson of Maglio, Christopher & Toale, PA, and respondent was represented by Lara A.

Englund of the United States Department of Justice.