Catherine Miriani v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2018)

Catherine Miriani filed a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging that she developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on November 5, 2015. The respondent conceded entitlement, stating that the petitioner met the criteria for GBS under the revised Vaccine Injury Table, with onset within the specified timeframe.

The case proceeded as an uncontested claim. Subsequently, the parties reached a stipulation for damages.

The court awarded Catherine Miriani a total of $766,011.64. This award included compensation for life care expenses for the first year after judgment ($92,599.52), lost earnings ($417,293.34), pain and suffering ($245,000.00), and past unreimbursable expenses ($11,118.78).

Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract was awarded to cover future life care expenses, with payments adjusted for inflation and contingent on her continued survival.