Deborah Aldora v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2018)

Deborah Aldora filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on September 17, 2015. She stated that she received the vaccination in the United States, experienced effects of the injury for more than six months, and had not filed a civil action or received other compensation.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) Report stating that they did not contest entitlement. The respondent indicated that the petitioner satisfied the criteria set forth in the revised Vaccine Injury Table and Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation, and that GBS following a seasonal flu vaccine with onset within the Table's specified time period would entitle her to a presumption of causation.

Based on the respondent's position and the evidence, the Chief Special Master found petitioner entitled to compensation. Subsequently, the respondent filed a proffer on the award of compensation, recommending a total award of $434,629.39.

This amount included a lump sum payment of $264,000.00 to petitioner for lost wages, unreimbursed expenses, and pain and suffering, and a lump sum payment of $170,629.39 to satisfy a State of Illinois Medicaid lien. Petitioner agreed with the proffered award.

The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding damages in accordance with the proffer.