Laura Papa v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Laura Papa filed a petition on August 27, 2020, alleging that she suffered a Table Injury of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on November 20, 2018. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Ms.
Papa sustained a GBS Table injury, denied that the vaccine caused her alleged GBS, and denied that her current condition is a sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Despite these denials, the parties reached a stipulation recommending an award of compensation to Ms.
Papa. The stipulation was filed on January 27, 2025.
The Special Master, Nora Beth Dorsey, found the stipulation to be reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Ms.
Papa was awarded a lump sum of $55,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under the law. Judgment was entered in accordance with the stipulation.
The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, or any expert testimony.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Laura Papa alleged a Table Injury of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following an influenza vaccine administered on November 20, 2018. The Respondent denied the alleged GBS was a Table Injury, vaccine-related, or a sequelae of a vaccine injury. The parties stipulated to an award of $55,000.00. Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted the stipulation, finding it reasonable. The public text does not detail the mechanism of injury, specific medical evidence, or expert testimony. The attorneys involved were Jonathan Joseph Svitak for Petitioner and Jennifer Leigh Reynaud for Respondent. The decision date was February 24, 2025.