Ronald M. Allen v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2017)

Mary Sue Allen, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Ronald M. Allen, filed a petition on January 13, 2017, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

The petition alleged that Ronald M. Allen's death on October 23, 2015, was a result of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) caused by an influenza vaccine he received on September 28, 2015.

Mr. Allen received the vaccination in the United States.

Petitioner stated that no prior civil action for damages had been filed on Mr. Allen's behalf for his alleged injury and death.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr. Allen to suffer GBS or any other injury, and further denied that his death was a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.

Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation on January 13, 2017. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation to be reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

The stipulation awarded the petitioner a lump sum of $418,000.00, payable to Mary Sue Allen as Legal Representative of the Estate of Ronald M. Allen, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

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

Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, and respondent was represented by Lara A.

Englund of the U.S. Department of Justice.