Leslie McKnight v. HHS - Influenza, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (2017)

Linda Hubbard, as personal representative of the estate of Leslie McKnight, filed a petition for vaccine compensation on August 25, 2016, on behalf of Ms. McKnight, who had received an influenza vaccine on September 17, 2014.

Petitioner alleged that the influenza vaccine caused Ms. McKnight to suffer acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and that her subsequent death was a sequela of this condition.

Respondent denied that the vaccine caused Ms. McKnight's ADEM or death.

The parties reached a stipulation to settle the case, which was adopted by Special Master Christian J. Moran.

The stipulation stated that Ms. McKnight received the influenza vaccine on or about September 17, 2014, within the United States.

Petitioner represented that there had been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on behalf of Ms. McKnight.

Respondent denied that Ms. McKnight suffered any injury as a result of the influenza vaccine or that her death was a sequela of vaccine-related ADEM.

The parties agreed to settle the issues, and the court adopted the stipulation. A lump sum of $285,000.00 was awarded, payable to petitioner as Legal Representative of the Estate of Leslie McKnight.

This amount represents compensation for all remaining damages. The stipulation does not constitute an admission by the United States that the vaccine caused the alleged injury or death.

Petitioner was represented by Alison H. Haskins of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA.

Respondent was represented by Robert P. Coleman III of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The decision was issued on June 1, 2017, and judgment was entered on June 1, 2017.