Patricia Okai v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) (2015)

Patricia Okai filed a petition, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 25, 2012, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and related sequelae, with residual effects lasting more than six months. The Secretary of Health and Human Services denied that the vaccine caused the GBS or any other injury.

The parties reached a stipulation to resolve the case, which Special Master Laura D. Millman adopted.

The award included an amount to purchase an annuity, $227,333.02 to reimburse a State of Illinois Medicaid lien, and $565,627.00 for all remaining damages, including future life care plan expenses. The total award for damages was $843,000.00.

Subsequently, on February 11, 2016, the parties stipulated to attorneys' fees and costs. Special Master Millman awarded $53,500.00 for attorneys' fees and costs, bringing the total compensation to $843,000.00.

Edward M. Kraus represented the petitioner, and Ryan Daniel Pyles represented the respondent.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, medical tests, or treatments. The specific mechanism of causation was not detailed in the public decision.