Varnadora McNeal Hawkins v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2017)

On January 22, 2015, Leah Hawkins Bennett, as the personal representative of the Estate of Varnadora McNeal Hawkins, filed a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The petition alleged that Ms.

Hawkins received an influenza vaccination on October 4, 2013, and subsequently developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). It further alleged that Ms.

Hawkins died on July 11, 2014, from GBS-related sequelae. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the influenza immunization caused Ms.

Hawkins' alleged GBS or death. The parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case, filed on September 12, 2016.

As part of the stipulation, the respondent agreed to pay a lump sum of $360,000.00, payable to petitioner as the legal representative of the Estate of Varnadora McNeal Hawkins. This amount was stated to represent compensation for all damages available under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act.

Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth adopted the parties' stipulation and directed the clerk of the court to enter judgment accordingly. The decision was issued on February 23, 2017.

Petitioner's counsel was Alison Haskins of Maglio Christopher and Toale, PA. Respondent's counsel was Adriana Teitel of the US Department of Justice.