Charlotte Dunn v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2021)

Charlotte Dunn filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on October 13, 2015. The respondent conceded that Ms.

Dunn was entitled to compensation, agreeing that her GBS was a Table injury with onset within the specified timeframe and that there was no apparent alternative cause. The respondent also agreed that she experienced residual effects for more than six months.

Based on this concession and the evidence, the court issued a ruling on entitlement, finding her eligible for compensation. Subsequently, the parties reached a proffer on the award of compensation.

The court awarded Ms. Dunn a total of $300,705.33.

This amount included $250,000.00 for pain and suffering, $19,000.00 for actual and anticipated care expenses, and $31,705.33 to satisfy a State of California Medicaid lien. The award was structured as two lump sum payments, one payable to Ms.

Dunn and the other jointly to Ms. Dunn and the Department of Health Care Services to cover the lien.