Judith Marjorie Tipton v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2017)

Judith Marjorie Tipton filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination she received on December 30, 2013. She stated that she received the vaccination in the United States, suffered the effects of her injuries for more than six months, and had not filed a civil action or received other compensation for her injuries.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her GBS or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on May 4, 2017, agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The Chief Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. The award included a lump sum payment of $279,100.96, which represented compensation for first-year expenses, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses.

Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract was awarded. This decision directed the clerk of the court to enter judgment in accordance with the stipulation.