Rebecca Dryer-Minnerly v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome ("GBS") and/or a significant aggravation of small fiber neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia (2025)

Rebecca Dryer-Minnerly filed a petition alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and/or a significant aggravation of small fiber neuropathy, and later amended to allege trigeminal neuralgia, caused by an influenza vaccination received on October 14, 2021. Her former counsel, Phyllis Widman, applied for interim attorneys' fees and costs totaling $31,385.51, citing the closure of her vaccine injury practice as a reason for the interim award.

The Special Master found that the petition was filed in good faith and with a reasonable basis, noting that Petitioner consistently reported her symptoms began after the flu vaccination and presented with numbness and burning sensations approximately 11 days post-vaccination. Although a neurologist initially attributed the symptoms to Petitioner's pre-existing Sjogren's syndrome, IVIG therapy was recommended, consistent with GBS treatment.

The Special Master awarded the full amount of $31,385.51 in interim attorneys' fees and costs, to be paid through an ACH deposit to the former counsel's IOLTA account.