Yvette A. Suomala v. HHS - Influenza, Bell's palsy (2017)

Yvette Suomala filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 27, 2016, alleging that she suffered from Bell's palsy as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on or about December 18, 2015. She further alleged that her symptoms persisted for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Ms. Suomala's alleged Bell's palsy or any other injuries.

Despite this denial, the parties reached a joint stipulation for damages. The stipulation stated that Ms.

Suomala would receive a lump sum of $15,000.00 as compensation for all damages available under the program. The Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court, awarding Ms.

Suomala the agreed-upon amount. The parties also agreed to waive their right to seek review, expediting the entry of judgment.