J.M. v. HHS - MMR, Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) (2025)

Lily and Conor McNulty, on behalf of their minor child J.M., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on December 31, 2025. They alleged that J.M. developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A, and Varicella vaccinations he received on February 17, 2023.

The petition was supported by statements, medical records, medical literature, and a letter from a treating physician opining on causation. Petitioners filed an application for interim attorneys' fees and costs totaling $30,674.05.

Respondent deferred to the Special Master on the award of fees and costs, noting that Petitioners had not yet filed reliable and objective support for their claim. The case has seen multiple substitutions of counsel.

The Special Master granted in part the application for interim attorneys' fees and costs, awarding a total of $30,150.91. This award reflects a minor reduction for excessive paralegal billing for administrative tasks.

The decision noted that the petition was filed in good faith and with a reasonable basis, despite being in the early stages of litigation.