Janice Steinkamp v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2015)

On November 12, 2014, Janice Steinkamp filed a petition with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 24, 2011, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The petition stated that the onset of GBS occurred around November 22, 2011, with residual effects lasting more than six months.

The influenza vaccine is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused Ms.

Steinkamp's condition. However, the parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case.

Under the terms of the stipulation, Ms. Steinkamp was awarded $220,000.00 as compensation for all damages.

The decision, entered by Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman on December 1, 2015, adopted the terms of the stipulation. Both parties agreed to waive their right to seek review, thereby expediting the judgment.

Ronald C. Homer represented the petitioner, and Ann D.

Martin represented the respondent. The stipulation explicitly stated that it was not an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury.