Stephanie Digerolamo v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2019)

Stephanie Digerolamo filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) following an influenza vaccination on October 7, 2015. She claimed the vaccine was administered in the United States, that she suffered residual effects for more than six months, and that no prior award or settlement had been made for her condition.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her GBS or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

The Chief Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the Court's decision. Stephanie Digerolamo was awarded a total of $440,000.

This amount included a lump sum of $425,000 for first-year life-care expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages, plus an amount to purchase an annuity contract. Additionally, $14,536.40 was awarded to reimburse a State of New Jersey Medicaid lien.

The decision was entered on February 6, 2019, based on the joint stipulation filed on December 18, 2018.