Cara Peden v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2020)

Cara Peden filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of her October 9, 2015 influenza vaccination. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused her condition.

Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to an award of compensation. The decision adopts this stipulation, awarding Cara Peden a lump sum of $133,708.01 for first-year life care expenses and combined pain and suffering and past unreimbursable expenses.

Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for future expenses, including health insurance, Medicare Supplement, palliative therapy, strength training, scooter and related expenses, and home health aide services, was awarded. The case was settled through this stipulation, and the court directed that judgment be entered in accordance with the decision.