Jimmon Watson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”), central vestibular dysfunction, encephalitis, vertigo, abnormal gait, paresthesia, diminished memory, ataxia, and astasia-abasia functional conversion disorder (2017)

Jimmon Watson filed a petition for vaccine compensation on March 23, 2017, alleging that he suffered injuries from an influenza vaccine received on October 20, 2014. The alleged injuries included Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), central vestibular dysfunction, encephalitis, vertigo, abnormal gait, paresthesia, diminished memory, ataxia, and astasia-abasia functional conversion disorder, with residual effects lasting more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused these alleged injuries. Despite maintaining their respective positions, the parties reached a stipulation to settle the case.

Special Master Laura D. Millman reviewed the stipulation and found its terms to be reasonable.

The court adopted the stipulation and awarded Jimmon Watson $20,000.00 as compensation for all damages. This award was to be made in the form of a check payable to Mr.

Watson. The decision was issued on March 23, 2017.

Bruce W. Slane represented the petitioner, and Voris E.

Johnson, Jr. represented the respondent. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the medical experts consulted by either party.

The decision also does not detail the specific mechanism of injury alleged by the petitioner.