Sydney P. Jensen v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2016)

Sydney Jensen filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on August 17, 2015, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on September 26, 2014. She further alleged that she experienced residual effects of this condition for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the influenza vaccine caused GBS or any other injury. Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on April 4, 2016, 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. Sydney Jensen was awarded a lump sum of $150,000.00, payable to her, for all items of damages.

Additionally, a lump sum of $7,119.28 was awarded, payable jointly to Ms. Jensen and her attorney, Stephen I.

Leshner, for attorneys' fees and costs. The decision was based on the joint stipulation of the parties.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation. Petitioner was represented by Stephen I.

Leshner, and respondent was represented by Ann Donohue Martin.