Karen Hergett v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2019)

Karen Hergett filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 19, 2016. She claimed the injury resulted in residual effects lasting more than six months.

Respondent denied that Ms. Hergett sustained a GBS Table injury or that her condition was caused by the vaccine, but the parties ultimately reached a joint stipulation to settle the case.

The Chief Special Master adopted the stipulation, awarding Ms. Hergett a lump sum of $345,000.00 for all damages.

This amount represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The parties also agreed to submit to further proceedings for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

The stipulation included a release of all claims against the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services related to the alleged vaccine injury.