VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01574
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01574
Petitioner: Georgie Fletcher
Filed: 2020-03-02
Decided: 2020-08-12
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2015-11-03
Condition: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 352251

AI-assisted case summary:
Georgie Fletcher filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on November 3, 2015. The respondent conceded that Ms. Fletcher is entitled to compensation, agreeing that she suffered GBS following the flu vaccine within the Table time period and that there was no evidence of an unrelated cause. The respondent also agreed that the claim met the statutory severity requirements because her GBS sequelae lasted more than six months. A ruling on entitlement was issued on March 2, 2020, finding Ms. Fletcher entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on July 10, 2020, the parties filed a proffer of damages. The court awarded Ms. Fletcher a total of $352,251.46, which included $137,500.00 for pain and suffering, $205,709.26 for past and future lost wages, and $9,042.20 to satisfy a lien from the New York City Department of Social Services.

Theory of causation field:
Table

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01574-0
Date issued/filed: 2020-04-02
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 03/02/2020) regarding 35 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01574-UNJ Document 41 Filed 04/02/20 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1574V
UNPUBLISHED
GEORGIE FLETCHER, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: March 2, 2020
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Ruling on Entitlement; Concession;
HUMAN SERVICES, Table Injury; Influenza (Flu) Vaccine;
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Respondent.
Matthew F. Belanger, Faraci Lange, LLP, Rochester, NY, for petitioner.
Christine Mary Becer, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On October 10, 2018, Georgie Fletcher filed a petition for compensation under
the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (“GBS”)
as a result of a November 3, 2015 influenza (“flu”) vaccine. Petition at 1. The case was
assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
On March 2, 2020, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes
that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report
at 1. Specifically, Respondent agrees that “petitioner suffered GBS following a flu
vaccine within the Table time period, and there is not a preponderance of the medical
1 Because this unpublished ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am
required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-
Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of
Electronic Government Services). This means the ruling will be available to anyone with access to
the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to
redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of
privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such
material from public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for
ease of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa (2012).

Case 1:18-vv-01574-UNJ Document 41 Filed 04/02/20 Page 2 of 2
evidence that petitioner’s GBS was due to a factor unrelated to the vaccination.” Id. at
4. Respondent further agrees that the claim “meets the statutory severity requirements
because petitioner experienced sequelae of her GBS for more than six months . . . [and]
petitioner has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Act.” Id. at 5.
In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that
Petitioner is entitled to compensation.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
2

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01574-1
Date issued/filed: 2020-08-12
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 07/10/2020) regarding 44 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01574-UNJ Document 49 Filed 08/12/20 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1574V
UNPUBLISHED
GEORGIE FLETCHER, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: July 10, 2020
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Damages Decision Based on Proffer;
HUMAN SERVICES, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Guillain-
Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Respondent.
Matthew F. Belanger, Faraci Lange, LLP, Rochester, NY, for petitioner.
Christine Mary Becer, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On October 10, 2018, Georgie Fletcher filed a petition for compensation under
the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (“GBS”)
as a result of a November 3, 2015 influenza (“flu”) vaccine. Petition at 1. The case was
assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
On March 2, 2020, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled
to compensation for GBS. On July 10, 2020, Respondent filed a proffer on award of
compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $343,209.26
($137,500.00 for pain and suffering and $205,709.26 for past and future lost wages)
and funds to satisfy the New York City Department of Social Services lien in the amount
of $9,042.20. Proffer at 1-2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner
1 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am
required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-
Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of
Electronic Government Services). This means the decision will be available to anyone with access
to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to
redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of
privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such
material from public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for
ease of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa (2012).

Case 1:18-vv-01574-UNJ Document 49 Filed 08/12/20 Page 2 of 5
agrees with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that
Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner the
following compensation:
• Funds to satisfy the New York City Department of Social Services lien in
the amount of $9,042.20, which represents full satisfaction of any right of
subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the New York City
Department of Social Services may have against any individual as a result
of any Medicaid payments that the New York City Department of Social
Services has made to or on behalf of Petitioner from the date of her
eligibility for benefits through the date of judgment in this case as a result
of her vaccine-related injury suffered on or about November 3, 2015, under
Title XIX of the Social Security Act. Reimbursement of the New York City
Department of Social Services lien shall be made through a lump sum
payment of $9,042.20, representing compensation for satisfaction of the
New York City Department of Social Services, payable jointly to Petitioner
and
NYC Department of Social Services
ATTN: Michelle Cordner
Division of Liens and Recovery
375 Pearl Street
New York, NY 10038
Petitioner agrees to endorse this payment to the New York City Department
of Social Services.
• A lump sum payment of $343,209.26 ($137,500.00 for pain and suffering
and $205,709.26 for past and future lost wages) in the form of a check
payable to Petitioner.
This represents compensation for all damages that would be available under
§ 15(a).
The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this
decision.3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice
renouncing the right to seek review.
2

Case 1:18-vv-01574-UNJ Document 49 Filed 08/12/20 Page 3 of 5
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
____________________________________
)
GEORGIE FLETCHER, )
)
Petitioner, )
) No. 18-1574V
v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran
) ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND )
HUMAN SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
____________________________________)
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER OF DAMAGES
I. Procedural History
On March 2, 2020, respondent filed a Vaccine Rule 4(c) report concluding that petitioner
suffered an injury that is compensable under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§300aa-10 to -34. Accordingly, on March 2, 2020, the Chief Special
Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement, finding that petitioner was entitled to vaccine
compensation for Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a result of the influenza vaccine she received on
November 3, 2015.
II. Items of Compensation and Form of the Award
Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers, and the parties recommend, that
compensation be made through a lump sum as described below, and request that the Chief
Special Master's decision and the Court's judgment award the following:
A. Medicaid Lien
Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded funds to satisfy the New York City
Department of Social Services lien in the amount of $9,042.20, which represents full satisfaction
1

Case 1:18-vv-01574-UNJ Document 49 Filed 08/12/20 Page 4 of 5
of any right of subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the New York City
Department of Social Services may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid
payments that the New York City Department of Social Services has made to or on behalf of
petitioner from the date of her eligibility for benefits through the date of judgment in this case as
a result of her vaccine-related injury suffered on or about November 3, 2015, under Title XIX of
the Social Security Act. Reimbursement of the New York City Department of Social Services
lien shall be made through a lump sum payment of $9,042.20, representing compensation for
satisfaction of the New York City Department of Social Services, payable jointly to petitioner
and
NYC Department of Social Services
Attention: Michelle Cordner
Division of Liens and Recovery
375 Pearl Street
New York, NY 10038
Petitioner agrees to endorse this payment to the New York City Department of Social Services.
B. Pain and Suffering and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded
$343,209.26 ($137,500.00 for pain and suffering and $205,709.26 for past and future lost
wages).
This represents all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under
42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).1 Petitioner agrees. Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of
guardianship is not required in this case.
1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court
for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future medical
expenses, future lost earnings, and future pain and suffering.
2

Case 1:18-vv-01574-UNJ Document 49 Filed 08/12/20 Page 5 of 5
Respectfully submitted,
ETHAN P. DAVIS
Acting Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Acting Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
CATHARINE E. REEVES
Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
ALEXIS B. BABCOCK
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
/s/Christine M. Becer
CHRISTINE M. BECER
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
Tel: (202) 616-3665
Dated: July 10, 2020
3