Sonya Sims-Caldwell v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2021)

Sonya Sims-Caldwell 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 November 24, 2017. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, conceded that Ms.

Sims-Caldwell is entitled to compensation. The respondent concluded that she suffered the Table injury of GBS following a flu vaccine within the Table time period and that there was not a preponderance of the medical evidence that her GBS was due to an unrelated factor.

The respondent also agreed that the claim met the statutory severity requirement, as her medical records showed sequelae of her GBS for more than six months. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, entitlement to compensation was granted.

Subsequently, the parties filed a joint stipulation on damages. The court adopted the stipulation, awarding Ms.

Sims-Caldwell a lump sum of $195,243.06, which included amounts for life care plan expenses, past unreimbursable expenses, and past and future pain and suffering. An additional amount was awarded to purchase an annuity contract.

This compensation covers all items of damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.