The U.S. Court of Federal Claims has awarded Jennifer Raftery $105,363.34 in a case concerning injuries she alleged were caused by the flu vaccine. This decision, made on August 19, 2026, is significant as it highlights the legal process involved in vaccine injury claims and the compensation available to individuals who believe they have been harmed by vaccines.
Raftery filed her petition for compensation on July 7, 2021, claiming that the flu vaccine she received on January 9, 2020, led to her developing chronic immune demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). This case falls under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, which provides compensation to individuals who suffer injuries from vaccines listed in the Vaccine Injury Table.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, represented by the U.S. Department of Justice, denied that Raftery’s CIDP was caused by the flu vaccine. Despite this denial, both parties reached a joint stipulation regarding the compensation, which the court accepted as reasonable.
Background
Jennifer Raftery is the petitioner in this case, having filed her claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. This program was established to provide a no-fault alternative to the traditional legal system for resolving vaccine injury claims. Raftery alleged that the flu vaccine she received caused her to suffer from CIDP, a condition that affects the peripheral nerves and can lead to weakness and sensory loss.
The dispute arose when Raftery sought compensation for her condition, which she believed was a direct result of the flu vaccine. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, however, contested this claim, asserting that there was no causal link between the vaccine and Raftery's condition. This disagreement led to the legal proceedings that culminated in the recent court decision.
The case was filed in the United States Court of Federal Claims, where Special Master Christian J. Moran presided over the proceedings. The court's role in such cases is to evaluate the evidence presented and determine whether the petitioner is entitled to compensation under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
The Ruling
The court ruled in favor of Raftery by adopting the joint stipulation filed by both parties. The stipulation included an agreement on the compensation amount, which the court found to be reasonable. The court stated, "The undersigned finds said stipulation reasonable and adopts it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein."
As a result of this ruling, Raftery will receive a lump sum payment of $105,363.34. This amount will be paid through an Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit to her attorney's IOLTA account, ensuring prompt distribution to Raftery. The decision underscores the court's acceptance of the stipulation and the agreed-upon compensation amount.
Impact
This ruling has several implications for individuals seeking compensation for vaccine-related injuries. First, it reinforces the process by which individuals can file claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The acceptance of the joint stipulation indicates that even when the government denies causation, parties can reach an agreement that the court will accept.
The decision may also serve as a precedent for future cases involving vaccine injuries. It highlights the importance of the stipulation process and how it can lead to compensation without the need for prolonged litigation. Individuals who believe they have suffered vaccine-related injuries may find this ruling encouraging, as it demonstrates that compensation is possible even in disputed cases.
What's Next
Following this ruling, there is no indication that the decision will be appealed, as the parties reached a joint stipulation. The court filing did not mention any related cases pending or any further actions required from either party. The clerk has been directed to enter judgment according to this decision, finalizing the compensation awarded to Raftery.