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Compensation Awarded to Jonnie Brown for Bell's Palsy Caused by Influenza Vaccine

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Jonnie Brown, a Massachusetts resident, has been awarded compensation in the amount of $60,000 for suffering from Bell's palsy after receiving an influenza vaccine on September 20, 2020. The parties involved in the case, Brown and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reached a stipulation recommending the award, which was accepted by the court on May 16, 2025. The compensation is intended to cover all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

Key Takeaways:

  • Jonnie Brown, a Massachusetts resident, filed a petition in the National Vaccine Injury Program on January 27, 2022, alleging that she suffered Bell's palsy as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on September 20, 2020.
  • The parties involved in the case, Brown and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reached a stipulation recommending an award of $60,000 to Brown, which was accepted by the court on May 16, 2025.
  • The stipulation recommends that Brown receive a lump sum of $60,000 to be paid through an automated clearing house (ACH) deposit to her counsel's interest on lawyer trust account (IOLTA) for prompt disbursement to Brown.
  • The award is intended to cover all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
  • The court has approved the requested amount for Brown's compensation and has expedited the entry of judgment in accordance with the parties' stipulation.
  • The decision was made by Special Master Nora B. Dorsey, who found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the court in awarding damages.
  • The parties have renounced their right to seek review, and thus, the judgment will be entered accordingly.

Statistics:

  • Petitioner Jonnie Brown received compensation in the amount of $60,000 for suffering from Bell's palsy after receiving an influenza vaccine on September 20, 2020.
  • The parties in the case, Brown and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reached a stipulation recommending an award of $60,000 to Brown, which was accepted by the court on May 16, 2025.
  • The stipulation recommends that the lump sum of $60,000 be paid through an ACH deposit to Brown's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Brown.
  • The court has expedited the entry of judgment in accordance with the parties' stipulation, pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a).
  • The complete document can be viewed at the following link: https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00080/USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00080-0

Sources:

  • United States Court of Federal Claims
  • Vaccine Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)
  • Vaccine Rule 11(a)
  • Vaccine Rule 18(b)

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