Paulette Stuart v. HHS - Influenza, autoimmune sensory ganglionopathy (2024)

Paulette Stuart filed a petition on August 4, 2016, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she suffered from an autoimmune sensory ganglionopathy as a result of an influenza vaccination she received on October 25, 2013.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Ms. Stuart sustained the alleged injury or that it was caused by the flu vaccine.

Despite maintaining these positions, both parties agreed to settle the case. The court reviewed the file and adopted the parties' stipulation as its decision.

The award includes a lump sum of $283,799.80 for first-year life care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses. Additionally, $14,022.66 was awarded to reimburse a Medicaid lien for services rendered to Ms.

Stuart. An amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract was also awarded.

The total compensation represents all damages available under the program. The decision was issued on January 2, 2024.