Miranda Laird v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2015)

Miranda Laird filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on May 6, 2015, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination she received on October 17, 2013. The petition stated that she experienced residual effects of the injury for more than six months and had not filed a civil action or received prior compensation for the condition.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner's alleged injury and residual effects. Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on November 18, 2015, agreeing to a settlement.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted the stipulation, awarding Miranda Laird a lump sum of $150,000.00 for all damages available under the Vaccine Act. This amount was to be paid in the form of a check payable to petitioner.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, or treatments. On November 23, 2015, the parties filed a further stipulation regarding attorneys' fees and costs.

Chief Special Master Dorsey issued a decision on November 24, 2015, awarding $21,689.09 for attorneys' fees and costs, to be paid as a lump sum in a check jointly payable to petitioner and her counsel, Alison H. Haskins.

The total compensation awarded to Miranda Laird was $171,689.00. The case was compensated based on the joint stipulation of the parties.

Petitioner was represented by Alison H. Haskins of Maglio Christopher and Toale, PA, and respondent was represented by Voris Edward Johnson of the U.S.

Department of Justice.