Connie M. Johns v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2017)

On September 6, 2017, Gerald L. Johns, as Administrator of the Estate of Connie M.

Johns, filed a petition seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Connie M.

Johns had previously filed a petition on October 21, 2015. Petitioner alleged that she received an influenza vaccine on December 10, 2012, and subsequently developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result.

Petitioner further alleged that she experienced residual effects from this condition until her death on June 12, 2016. Gerald L.

Johns, her brother, appeared as the administrator of her estate and as the petitioner. The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Ms.

Johns's GBS or any other injury. However, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation, acknowledging their respective positions while agreeing to a resolution.

Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the court's decision.

The stipulation awarded a lump sum of $160,000.00, payable to the petitioner, to compensate for all damages. The decision was issued on November 14, 2017.

Petitioner's counsel was Rudolph L. Massa of Massa Law Group, PC, and respondent's counsel was Camille M.

Collett of the U.S. Department of Justice.