Janet Powell v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2015)

Janet Powell filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on December 12, 2013, alleging that she developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccination on October 6, 2011. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the immunization caused petitioner's injury.

Despite the respondent's denial, the parties reached a settlement agreement. On November 13, 2015, they filed a joint stipulation agreeing to resolve the case.

As part of the settlement, the respondent agreed to issue a lump sum payment of $70,000.00, in the form of a check payable to Janet Powell, intended to compensate for all damages available under the program. Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth adopted the stipulation and awarded the compensation, directing the clerk of the court to enter judgment accordingly.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Franklin Caldwell, Jr., Esq., represented the petitioner, and Jennifer Reynaud, Esq., represented the respondent.