Larry J. Demas v. HHS - Influenza, Bell's palsy (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On September 28, 2020, Larry J. Demas filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on September 26, 2017 caused Bell's palsy.
Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused the alleged Bell's palsy, any residual effects, or any other injury. The public stipulation does not describe Mr.
Demas's onset interval, facial weakness, medical visits, diagnostic testing, treatment, recovery, expert opinions, or biological mechanism. It does show that the parties maintained their positions but agreed to settle liability and damages.
On April 21, 2025, Special Master Jennifer A. Shah adopted the stipulation and awarded $20,000.00 as a lump sum through counsel for all damages available under the Vaccine Act.
Later attorney-fee and cost awards in the record were litigation payments, not additional injury compensation.
Theory of causation
Adult petitioner; influenza vaccine September 26, 2017; alleged Bell's palsy. COMPENSATED by stipulation. Respondent denied causation and residual effects; public text provides no onset, clinical course, testing, treatment, experts, or mechanism. Special Master Jennifer A. Shah decision April 21, 2025. Award $20,000.00 lump sum. Petition filed September 28, 2020. Counsel: Max Peter Petrunya.