Susan Little v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2024)

On November 26, 2018, Susan Little filed a petition seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) after receiving an influenza vaccination on October 3, 2016. The case proceeded in the Special Processing Unit.

Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Little satisfied the Vaccine Injury Table and Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation for influenza vaccine-associated GBS.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on January 21, 2020, finding Ms.

Little entitled to compensation. The damages phase then addressed Ms.

Little's ongoing vaccine-injury-related needs. Respondent retained life-care planner Laura E.

Fox, MSN, BSN, RN, CNS, CLCP, and petitioner retained life-care planner Maureen Clancy, RN, BSN, CLCP. For purposes of the proffer, vaccine-related care included items such as physician care, therapies, equipment, medications, home and vehicle modifications, transportation, and case management as set out in the life-care plan.

The proffer stated that annuity payments for future life-care items would be made only while Ms. Little was alive, and that she was a competent adult who did not require guardianship.

On December 11, 2024, the chief special master awarded compensation based on respondent's proffer. The immediate payments totaled $295,529.49: a lump sum of $276,633.60 payable to Susan Little, consisting of $13,008.89 for first-year life-care expenses, $250,000.00 for pain and suffering, and $13,624.71 for past unreimbursable expenses; plus $18,895.89 for satisfaction of the Ohio Department of Medicaid lien.

The award also included an amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in the proffer for future vaccine-injury-related life-care items. A corrected attorney-fees decision was filed on March 16, 2026, awarding fees and costs separately from injury compensation.

Ms. Little was represented by Ronald Craig Homer of Conway, Homer, P.C. in Boston, Massachusetts.