George Ellis Coker v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2015)

Alma Joan Coker, on behalf of the estate of her husband George Ellis Coker, filed a claim on July 27, 2015, alleging that George Ellis Coker developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and subsequently died as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 20, 2009. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr.

Coker's GBS, any other injury, or his death. Despite the respondent's denial, the parties reached a stipulation to resolve the matter.

Special Master Laura D. Millman reviewed the stipulation and found its terms to be reasonable.

The court adopted the stipulation and awarded compensation in the amount of $115,000.00, representing reimbursement for all available damages. The award was to be paid as a lump sum check to the petitioner.

The decision was issued on July 27, 2015. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.

Petitioner was represented by Jessica W. Hayes, and respondent was represented by Traci R.

Patton.