VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01397 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01397 Petitioner: Liane Wunderlich Filed: 2022-09-28 Decided: 2026-03-16 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2020-09-08 Condition: Bell's palsy Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 60000 AI-assisted case summary: Liane Wunderlich filed a petition on September 28, 2022, alleging that she developed Bell's palsy after receiving an influenza vaccine on September 8, 2020. She alleged that the condition was caused-in-fact by the vaccine and that residual effects lasted for more than six months. The public stipulation materials do not provide a detailed narrative of Ms. Wunderlich's onset, treatment, or recovery. Respondent denied that she suffered Bell's palsy as alleged, denied that the influenza vaccine caused Bell's palsy or any other injury, and denied that any current condition was a sequela of vaccination. The parties filed a joint stipulation, and Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted it as the decision of the Court on March 16, 2026. The compensation was awarded by agreement rather than by a finding that respondent admitted causation. Ms. Wunderlich was awarded a lump sum of $60,000.00 for all damages available under section 15(a), payable through counsel's IOLTA account. She was represented by Ronald Craig Homer of Conway Homer, P.C. in Boston, Massachusetts. Theory of causation field: Influenza vaccine on September 8, 2020 allegedly causing Bell's palsy. COMPENSATED by stipulation, not by admitted causation. Respondent denied Bell's palsy, vaccine causation, other injury, and sequelae. Public stipulation contains limited clinical detail. Petition filed September 28, 2022; decision by SM Nora Beth Dorsey on March 16, 2026. Award $60,000 lump sum through counsel IOLTA. Attorney: Ronald Craig Homer, Conway Homer, P.C., Boston MA. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01397-0 Date issued/filed: 2026-04-14 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 3/16/2026) regarding 81 DECISION Stipulation. Signed by Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. (mjf) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:22-vv-01397-UNJ Document 85 Filed 04/14/26 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS Filed: March 16, 2026 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * LIANE WUNDERLICH, * UNPUBLISHED * Petitioner, * No. 22-1397V * v. * Special Master Dorsey * SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Decision Based on Stipulation; Influenza AND HUMAN SERVICES, * (“Flu”) Vaccine; Bell’s Palsy. * Respondent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ronald Craig Homer, Conway, Homer, P.C., Boston, MA, for Petitioner. Madylan Louise Yarc, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION BASED ON STIPULATION1 On September 28, 2022, Liane Wunderlich (“Petitioner”) filed a petition in the National Vaccine Injury Program2 alleging an influenza (“flu”) vaccination administered on September 8, 2020 caused her to develop Bell’s palsy. Petition at Preamble (ECF No. 1). On March 16, 2026, the parties filed a stipulation recommending an award of compensation to Petitioner. Stipulation (ECF No. 80). Respondent denies that Petitioner suffers from Bell’s palsy; denies that the vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged Bell’s palsy, or any other 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the undersigned is required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims’ website and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc in accordance with the E- Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the Internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, the undersigned agrees that the identified material fits within this definition, the undersigned will redact such material from public access. 2 The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is set forth in Part 2 of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755, codified as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to -34 (2018) (“Vaccine Act” or “the Act”). All citations in this Decision to individual sections of the Vaccine Act are to 42 U.S.C.A. § 300aa. 1 Case 1:22-vv-01397-UNJ Document 85 Filed 04/14/26 Page 2 of 7 injury; and denies that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation, attached hereto as Appendix A.3 The undersigned finds the stipulation reasonable and adopts it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. The parties stipulate that Petitioner shall receive the following compensation: (1) A lump sum of $60,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Stipulation at ¶ 8. The undersigned approves the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. Accordingly, an award should be made consistent with the stipulation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court SHALL ENTER JUDGMENT in accordance with the terms of the parties’ stipulation.4 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Nora B. Dorsey Nora B. Dorsey Special Master 3 The Adobe signature form has been omitted. 4 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment is expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 Case 1:22-vv-01397-UNJ Document 85 Filed 04/14/26 Page 3 of 7 Case 1:22-vv-01397-UNJ Document 85 Filed 04/14/26 Page 4 of 7 CCaassee 1 1:2:222-v-vvv-0-011339977-U-UNNJJ D Dooccuummeennt t8 815-1 F Fileiledd 0 043/1/146/2/266 P Paaggee 5 3 o of f7 5 Case 1:22-vv-01397-UNJ Document 85 Filed 04/14/26 Page 6 of 7 Case 1:22-vv-01397-UNJ Document 85 Filed 04/14/26 Page 7 of 7 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01397-cl-extra-11310794 Date issued/filed: 2026-04-14 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10843437 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sn the Cnited States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS Filed: March 16, 2026 *w OK OK K KK KK KK K K KK KK KK KK OK OK LIANE WUNDERLICH, * UNPUBLISHED * Petitioner, * No. 22-1397V * Vv. * Special Master Dorsey * SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Decision Based on Stipulation; Influenza AND HUMAN SERVICES, * (“Flu”) Vaccine; Bell’s Palsy. * Respondent. ** heb E MRE MEHR E MEMS Ronald Craig Homer, Conway, Homer, P.C., Boston, MA, for Petitioner. Madylan Louise Yarc, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION BASED ON STIPULATION' On September 28, 2022, Liane Wunderlich (“Petitioner”) filed a petition in the National Vaccine Injury Program? alleging an influenza (“flu”) vaccination administered on September 8, 2020 caused her to develop Bell’s palsy. Petition at Preamble (ECF No. 1). On March 16, 2026, the parties filed a stipulation recommending an award of compensation to Petitioner. Stipulation (ECF No. 80). Respondent denies that Petitioner suffers from Bell’s palsy; denies that the vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged Bell’s palsy, or any other ' Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the undersigned is required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims’ website and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc in accordance with the E- Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the Internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, the undersigned agrees that the identified material fits within this definition, the undersigned will redact such material from public access. 2 The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is set forth in Part 2 of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755, codified as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to -34 (2018) (“Vaccine Act” or “the Act’). All citations in this Decision to individual sections of the Vaccine Act are to 42 U.S.C.A. 8 300aa. injury; and denies that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation, attached hereto as Appendix A.2 The undersigned finds the stipulation reasonable and adopts it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. The parties stipulate that Petitioner shall receive the following compensation: (1) A lump sum of $60,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Stipulation at J 8. The undersigned approves the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. Accordingly, an award should be made consistent with the stipulation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court SHALL ENTER JUDGMENT in accordance with the terms of the parties’ stipulation.* IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Nora B. Dorsey Nora B. Dorsey Special Master > The Adobe signature form has been omitted. * Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment is expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS LIANE WUNDERLICH, Petitioner, No, 22-1397V Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey Vs ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Liane Wunderlich (“petitioner”), filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to -34 (the “Vaccine Program”). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner’s receipt of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on September 8, 2020. 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4, Petitioner alleges that she suffered from Bell’s palsy caused-in-fact by her flu vaccine. She further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her alleged injury. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner suffers from Bell’s palsy; denies that the vaccine caused petitioner’s alleged Bell’s palsy, or any other injury; and denies that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment reflecting a decision consistent with the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $60,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 9, As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this petition. 10. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Case 1:22-vv-01397-UNJ Document 81-1 Filed 03/16/26 Page 3of5 § 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attorneys’ fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity, and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on September 8, 2020, as alleged in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about September 28, 2022, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 22-1397V. 14, If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 15. Ifthe special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties’ settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties’ respective positions as to liability and/or amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner’s alleged injury or any other injury or her current disabilities, or that petitioner suffered an injury contained in the Vaccine Injury Table. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: Kearse arbi Liane Wunderlich (Mar 10, 2026 14:44:35 EDT) LIANE WUNDERLICH ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR PETITIONER: Loved C i Howse h Ly II gud) si ol Ryle &3.1/00) PATRICK J. KELLY/ZonAtD ©. HOMER Conway Homer, P.C. 16 Shawmut Street Boston, MA 02116 (617) 695-1990 pkelly@ccandh.com AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Digitally signed by Jeffrey 5. Jeffrey S. Beach -S Date: 2026.03.04 Beach -S 08:36:26 -05'00' for CPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH Director, Division of Injury Compensation Programs Health Systems Bureau Health Resources and Services Administration U. S. Department of Health and Human Services 5600 Fishers Lane, 14W-18 Rockville, MD 20857 Dated: O3/2/2026 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: de oth Ce Luu HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR RESPONDENT: Mada lon C ms MADYLAN L. YARC Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 (202) 532-5497 madylan.1.yarc@usdoj.gov