Quanda Luna v. HHS - Influenza, anaphylaxis, inflammatory syndrome, and muscle weakness causing paradoxical vocal cord motion (2025)

Quanda Luna filed a petition on December 4, 2019, alleging that she suffered vaccine-induced anaphylaxis, inflammatory syndrome, and muscle weakness causing paradoxical vocal cord motion as a result of an influenza vaccination received on December 7, 2017. This decision addresses an application for interim attorneys' fees and costs.

Petitioner's former counsel, Mr. Mark Sadaka, sought $27,098.80 in fees and costs.

Respondent deferred to the Special Master's discretion. The Special Master found that Petitioner would suffer undue hardship without an award, that the petition was filed in good faith, and that an expert report from Dr.

David Axelrod, who opined that Petitioner developed Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis as a result of the flu vaccine, established a reasonable basis for the claim. The Special Master awarded $25,326.78 in interim attorneys' fees and costs, consisting of $24,465.50 in fees and $861.28 in costs.

A subsequent decision on July 3, 2025, awarded a further $56,694.35 in interim attorneys' fees and costs to new counsel, reflecting additional work on the case, including expert reports and motions.