Cynthia Bassett v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2017)

Cynthia Bassett filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 22, 2015, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on September 11, 2013. Ms.

Bassett stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that her injury had residual effects for more than six months, and that there had been no prior award or settlement for her condition. The respondent denied that the vaccine caused her GBS or any other injury.

Nevertheless, on October 14, 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.

Cynthia Bassett was awarded a lump sum of $175,000.00 as compensation for all items of damages, payable to her. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.

Petitioner counsel was Isaiah Kalinowski of Maglio Christopher and Toale, PA, and respondent counsel was Douglas Ross of the U.S. Department of Justice.