Balbina Ibe v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2020)

Petitioner Balbina Ibe alleged that she developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on February 25, 2016. The petition stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States and that the residual effects of the injury lasted for more than six months. Respondent denied that petitioner sustained a GBS Table injury or that the vaccine caused her GBS. The parties filed a joint stipulation on April 14, 2020, agreeing to settle the case. The stipulation stated that the parties maintained their positions but agreed to resolve the issues. The decision, issued by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran on April 15, 2020, adopted the stipulation and awarded petitioner a lump sum of $167,500.00 for all damages, including pain and suffering, unreimbursable medical expenses, and lost wages. The stipulation explicitly stated that it was not an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccination caused petitioner to suffer GBS or any other injury. Petitioner was represented by Danielle Strait and respondent by Adriana Ruth Teitel.