Elizabeth Weeks Blake v. HHS - Influenza, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (2017)

Elizabeth Weeks Blake filed a petition on June 13, 2016, alleging that she developed chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on November 20, 2014. She further alleged that she experienced residual effects from this condition for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused her CIDP or any other injury. However, both parties agreed to settle the case.

A stipulation was filed on June 16, 2017, agreeing that the issues could be resolved through a settlement. Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable. The decision awarded Elizabeth Weeks Blake a lump sum of $247,540.47 for first-year life care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses.

Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract was awarded. This award compensates for all damages available under Section 15(a) of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Act.