Amy Hatfield v. HHS - Influenza, Transverse Myelitis (2023)

Amy Hatfield filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Transverse Myelitis (TM) caused by her October 14, 2016 influenza vaccination. She further alleged that she experienced residual effects for more than six months, had no prior award or settlement for damages, and that her vaccine was administered in the United States.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her TM or any other injury. Nevertheless, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. The award includes a lump sum of $600,000.00 for combined first-year life care expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Additionally, $2,221.27 was awarded to reimburse a Pennsylvania Medicaid lien for services rendered to Ms. Hatfield.

The award also includes an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for future care. These amounts represent compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.