Ellen Snyder v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2018)

Ellen Snyder filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on September 24, 2015. She stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that she suffered the effects of the injury for more than six months, and that there had been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner to suffer from GBS or any other injury. Nevertheless, on March 12, 2018, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. The decision awarded Ellen Snyder a lump sum of $243,254.15 for first-year life care expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

An additional amount was awarded to purchase an annuity contract. This award represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.