Cheron Golding v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (“TM”), neuromyelitis optica (“NMO”), diplopia, dysarthria, facial droop, extreme incontinence and constipation, paresthesia, numbness and weakness to all extremities, and gait dysfunction (2019)

On January 23, 2019, Cheron Golding filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine she received on October 17, 2013, caused her to suffer from transverse myelitis (TM), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), diplopia, dysarthria, facial droop, extreme incontinence and constipation, paresthesia, numbness and weakness to all extremities, and gait dysfunction. The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused these injuries.

The parties reached a stipulation to resolve the case. Special Master Laura D.

Millman adopted the stipulation, awarding compensation. The award included a lump sum of $550,638.35 for first-year life care expenses ($28,080.00), lost earnings ($337,558.35), and pain and suffering ($185,000.00), payable to the petitioner.

Additionally, a lump sum of $46,740.32 was awarded to reimburse a lien for services rendered, payable jointly to the petitioner and Duchess County Department of Community and Family Services. The decision also awarded an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract as described in the stipulation.

Petitioner's counsel was Randall G. Knutson, and respondent's counsel was Glenn A.

Macleod. The decision was not published but was posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website.