Constance Wadkins v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2016)

Constance Wadkins filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on July 14, 2015. She alleged that she suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on January 7, 2013, and a Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine received on January 24, 2013.

Ms. Wadkins further alleged that she experienced residual effects of this injury for more than six months.

The respondent denied that the vaccinations caused her alleged injuries or any other condition. Nevertheless, on June 28, 2016, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Constance Wadkins was awarded a lump sum of $190,000.00, payable to her, as compensation for all items of damages.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the mechanism of injury. Petitioner counsel was Isaiah R.

Kalinowski of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, and respondent counsel was Alexis B. Babcock of the U.S.

Department of Justice.