Maryam Shahbazian v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2020)

Maryam Shahbazian filed a petition alleging that the influenza vaccine she received on October 24, 2016, caused her to suffer from transverse myelitis (TM). She claimed to have experienced residual effects from this injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Ms. Shahbazian's TM or any other injury.

Despite the denial, the parties reached a joint stipulation to resolve the case. The court adopted this stipulation as its decision, awarding damages.

The award included a lump sum payment of $160,150.55 to cover first-year life care expenses, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses. Additionally, an amount was awarded to purchase an annuity contract for future compensation.

This decision resolves all damages available under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The case proceeded as a Table claim, as transverse myelitis is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table.

The stipulation indicates that Ms. Shahbazian had not previously received any award or settlement for this condition.

The court directed the clerk to enter judgment according to this decision and the stipulation.