Martha Mascia-Strickler v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2015)

Martha Mascia-Strickler filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 6, 2015, alleging that she suffered transverse myelitis (TM) caused by an influenza vaccine she received on November 10, 2011. She further alleged that she suffered residual effects from this injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged TM or any other injury, and denied that her current disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Despite the denials, the parties reached a stipulation to resolve the matter.

The court adopted the stipulation and awarded Martha Mascia-Strickler $260,000.00 in compensation for all damages available under the program. A separate decision on April 27, 2015, awarded $14,892.76 for attorneys' fees and costs, payable jointly to the petitioner and her attorneys.