Lisa Whitehead-Williams v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2022)

Lisa Whitehead-Williams filed a petition alleging that the influenza vaccine she received on October 16, 2015, caused her to develop transverse myelitis (TM) and experience residual effects for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused her condition.

Despite this denial, the parties reached a stipulation for an award of compensation. The court adopted the stipulation, awarding Ms.

Whitehead-Williams a total of $189,943.43. This amount included $153,286.96 for first-year life care expenses and pain and suffering, and $36,656.47 to reimburse a lien for services rendered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

The stipulation also included an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for future damages. The parties agreed to expedite the entry of judgment by renouncing the right to seek review.