Michael J. Diaz v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2024)

Michael J. Diaz filed a petition on October 9, 2020, alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on October 17, 2017, caused him to develop transverse myelitis (TM).

He further alleged that he suffered residual effects from this injury for more than six months. The influenza vaccine is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, and Mr.

Diaz claimed his condition qualified as a Table injury. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused Mr.

Diaz's TM or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties reached a joint stipulation to resolve the case.

The Special Master reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the Court's decision. The stipulation awarded Mr.

Diaz a total of $52,617.62. This amount included $2,617.62 to reimburse a Medicaid lien for services rendered to Mr.

Diaz and $50,000.00 for all remaining elements of compensation. The decision directed the clerk to enter judgment according to this decision and the stipulation, unless a motion for review was filed.