Susanna J. Howard v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2019)

Susanna J. Howard filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of her influenza vaccination on September 21, 2016.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, conceded that Ms. Howard is entitled to compensation.

The respondent's medical personnel concluded that she suffered a Table injury of GBS following a flu vaccine within the Table time period, and there was not a preponderance of evidence that her GBS was due to an unrelated factor. The respondent also stated that the claim met the statutory severity requirements because Ms.

Howard experienced sequelae of her GBS for more than six months. The Chief Special Master issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Ms.

Howard entitled to compensation. Subsequently, the respondent filed a proffer on the award of compensation, indicating that Ms.

Howard should be awarded $183,794.49. This amount represented $180,000.00 for pain and suffering and $3,794.49 for past unreimbursed expenses.

The respondent represented that Ms. Howard agreed with the proffered award.

Based on the record, the Chief Special Master awarded Ms. Howard a lump sum payment of $183,794.49.