Michelle Daniels v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2019)

Michelle Daniels filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) caused by an influenza vaccination she received on October 4, 2017. She also received a Tdap vaccine on the same day.

Ms. Daniels asserted that her GBS was a Table Injury, meaning it was presumed to be caused by the vaccine according to the Vaccine Injury Table.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reviewed the case and conceded that Ms. Daniels was entitled to compensation.

The respondent agreed that her condition met the criteria for a Table Injury, specifically GBS occurring within the specified timeframe after a seasonal flu vaccination with no apparent alternative cause. Following the ruling on entitlement, the parties submitted a proffer on award of compensation.

The court awarded Ms. Daniels a total of $107,222.40.

This amount included $100,000.00 for pain and suffering and $7,222.40 for actual unreimbursable expenses. The award was made as a lump sum payment.

The decision was issued on October 17, 2019.