Maryanne Pecora v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2021)

Adria and Joseph Pecora, as personal representatives of the Estate of Maryanne Pecora, filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. They alleged that Mrs.

Pecora received an influenza vaccine on October 8, 2017, and subsequently developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which led to her death on December 27, 2017. The petition stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, Mrs.

Pecora's condition lasted more than six months, and her death was a sequela of the alleged vaccine-related injury. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Mrs.

Pecora's GBS or her death. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to a settlement.

The court adopted the stipulation, awarding the estate a lump sum of $280,447.00 as compensation for all damages. This amount represents compensation for items of damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.

The case was settled via stipulation, with the award reflecting a compromise of the parties' respective positions on liability and damages.