Chirag Palsana v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2020)

Chirag Palsana filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on February 14, 2017, alleging he suffered transverse myelitis as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 12, 2015. He further alleged residual effects lasting more than six months.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused his transverse myelitis or any other injury. Nevertheless, on October 16, 2020, the parties filed a joint stipulation for damages.

Special Master Daniel T. Horner found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

The award includes a lump sum of $814,406.20, representing compensation for first-year life care expenses ($28,506.07), lost earnings ($608,023.31), pain and suffering ($175,000.00), and past unreimbursable expenses ($2,876.82). An additional amount was awarded to purchase an annuity contract.

The decision directs the clerk of the court to enter judgment in accordance with the stipulation. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.

Petitioner counsel was Diana Lynn Stadelnikas of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, and respondent counsel was Lisa Ann Watts of the U.S. Department of Justice.