Maria Carrillo v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2022)

Maria Carrillo 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 2, 2017. The respondent conceded that Ms.

Carrillo suffered from GBS, and that her case met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table, affording her a presumption of causation. The respondent specifically noted that GBS onset occurred within the Table's defined window of three to forty-two days after a seasonal flu vaccination, with no more likely alternative diagnosis or apparent alternative cause.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the court issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Ms. Carrillo entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, the parties submitted a proffer on the award of compensation. The court awarded Ms.

Carrillo a total of $376,390.38, which included $272,063.26 for life care expenses in the first year and pain and suffering, and $104,327.12 to satisfy a Medicaid lien. An additional amount was awarded to purchase an annuity for future life care expenses.