Gene Michaelson v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2016)

On September 1, 2015, Gene Michaelson filed a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging that he developed transverse myelitis (TM) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 9, 2014. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects from the injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccination caused petitioner's TM or any other condition. Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on August 3, 2016, agreeing to an award of compensation.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

The stipulation provided for a lump sum payment of $210,000.00, payable to Gene Michaelson, as compensation for all damages. Judgment was entered in accordance with the terms of the stipulation.

Petitioner was represented by Alison H. Haskins of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, and respondent was represented by Debra A.

Filteau Begley of the United States Department of Justice.