June Gregory v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2025)

June Gregory filed a petition alleging that she suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination received on October 5, 2020. The case was in the Special Processing Unit for over two years while parties attempted informal resolution, engaging life care planners.

Ultimately, the parties reached an impasse and proceeded on a litigation track, with Petitioner hiring an expert on causation. Petitioner filed a motion for interim attorneys' fees and costs, requesting $165,160.30.

Respondent deferred to the court's discretion. The Special Master found that an interim award was appropriate due to protracted proceedings, costly experts, and potential undue hardship.

The petition was deemed to have been brought in good faith and with a reasonable basis, supported by extensive medical records and expert reports. The Special Master awarded $114,896.20 in attorneys' fees after a deduction for clerical tasks and $48,264.10 in attorneys' costs, for a total interim award of $163,160.30.