Laurie Andrews v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2018)

Laurie Andrews filed a petition on May 21, 2018, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she suffered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of her influenza vaccine received on November 28, 2015, and that she experienced residual effects for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused her GBS or any other injury. However, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation, with the respondent maintaining their position.

The court reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as the decision for awarding damages. The stipulation awarded Laurie Andrews a lump sum of $150,000.00, $13,381.62 payable jointly to her and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for Medicaid, and $177.20 payable jointly to her and Priority Health Choice for other medical expenses.

These amounts were intended to compensate for all damages available under the Act. The decision was issued by Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran on July 3, 2018, awarding a total of $163,558.82.