James Harrison Cockrell, Jr. v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (2016)

James Harrison Cockrell, Jr. filed a petition on September 18, 2015, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on January 7, 2013. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects of his injury for more than six months.

The parties filed a joint stipulation on damages on September 17, 2015, agreeing to an award of compensation. Respondent denied that the flu vaccination caused petitioner's GBS, CIDP, or any other condition.

The Special Master adopted the stipulation as the decision of the Court. An award was made consisting of a lump sum payment of $335,942.65 and an amount to purchase an annuity contract.

Subsequently, on December 22, 2015, the parties filed a stipulation concerning attorneys' fees and costs. Petitioner requested $41,500.00, and respondent did not object.

The Special Master granted this request, ordering the payment of attorneys' fees and costs jointly to the petitioner and his attorney. Judgment was entered in accordance with the terms of the parties' stipulations.