Sara Torres-Ruiz v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2019)

Sara Torres-Ruiz filed a petition on July 21, 2017, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome as a result of an influenza vaccine received on November 6, 2014.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, maintained that the vaccine did not cause the petitioner's injury. The parties engaged in settlement negotiations starting in March 2018 and eventually filed a stipulation on March 14, 2019.

Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the record and concluded that the stipulation was reasonable, adopting it as the decision in the case.

The stipulation awarded Sara Torres-Ruiz a lump sum of $177,067.24, payable to the petitioner, and an additional amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract as described in the stipulation. This award represents compensation for all damages to which the petitioner is entitled under Section 15(a) of the Act.

The decision was issued on May 1, 2019. Petitioner was represented by Lawrence R.

Cohan of Conway, Homer, P.C., and respondent was represented by Lara A. Englund of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision is available online, with parties having the option to request redaction of confidential information.