Sarah Geschwindner v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2024)

Sarah Geschwindner filed a petition on October 19, 2017, alleging that she developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on October 8, 2014. The respondent conceded entitlement to compensation, stating that medical personnel determined she suffered the Table injury of GBS following a flu vaccine within the Table time period and that there was no preponderance of evidence showing her condition was due to an unrelated factor.

The medical records also established that her GBS had residual effects for more than six months. A Ruling on Entitlement was issued on January 4, 2019, finding her entitled to compensation.

An initial Decision Awarding Damages was issued on January 28, 2022, awarding $94,357.33, which included pain and suffering and a Medicaid lien. This decision was later withdrawn after Ms.

Geschwindner moved for relief from judgment due to her previous counsel's mishandling of her case. Following further damages discussions, the respondent proffered a new award.

On March 4, 2024, a Decision Awarding Damages was issued, adopting the respondent's proffer. This award included a lump sum of $27,500.00 for pain and suffering, in addition to the $92,500.00 previously paid, and $238.09 to satisfy a New Hampshire Medicaid lien, in addition to the $1,857.33 previously paid.

The total compensation awarded in this case amounts to $116,857.33.