Dennis Parker v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2015)

Dennis Parker filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 16, 2014, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) due to an influenza vaccination he received on November 28, 2012. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects from the injury for more than six months, had brought no prior action for this injury, and had received no prior award or settlement for it.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged GBS and residual effects, or any other injury or current condition. Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on October 30, 2015, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $200,000.00, payable to him, as compensation for all items of damages.

Separately, on October 30, 2015, the parties filed a stipulation concerning attorneys' fees and costs. The Chief Special Master granted the request for approval and payment of attorneys' fees and costs, awarding a total of $17,250.00 as a lump sum, jointly payable to the petitioner and his counsel, Diana L.

Stadelnikas, Esq. The total compensation awarded was $217,250.00.

Petitioner was represented by Diana Stadelnikas Sedar of Maglio Christopher and Toale, PA, and the respondent was represented by Adriana Teitel of the U.S. Department of Justice.