Janice Shelly v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2019)

Janice Shelly filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 9, 2018, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) caused by an influenza vaccine administered on November 20, 2015. She also received a pneumococcal vaccine on the same day.

Petitioner alleged that she experienced residual effects of her GBS for more than six months. Respondent denied that petitioner sustained a GBS Table injury and denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged GBS or any other injury.

Despite these positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle the case. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted the stipulation, awarding Janice Shelly $98,000.00 as compensation for all damages available under the program.

This amount represents a compromise of the parties' respective positions on liability and damages. Petitioner was represented by Lawrence R.

Cohan of Anapol Weiss, and respondent was represented by Voris Edward Johnson of the U.S. Department of Justice.