Virginia Bilthuis v. HHS - Influenza, adhesive capsulitis (2015)

Virginia Bilthuis filed a petition on September 11, 2014, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 28, 2012, caused her to develop adhesive capsulitis. She sought compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's condition or any resulting disabilities. Despite the denial, the parties reached a settlement agreement.

The parties filed a stipulation on April 23, 2015, agreeing to settle the case and outlining the terms. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, or treatments.

The public decision also does not name any medical experts or detail a specific theory of causation beyond the general allegation. The court adopted the stipulation, awarding Virginia Bilthuis a total of $43,734.39.

This amount included a lump sum of $35,000.00 for all damages and a lump sum of $8,734.39 for attorneys' fees and costs, jointly payable to petitioner and her attorney, Edward Kraus. The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Denise Kathryn Vowell on May 15, 2015.

The case was resolved via stipulation.