Rhonda O’Brien v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2021)

Rhonda O’Brien filed a petition for vaccine compensation on June 21, 2019, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on February 12, 2018. She further alleged that she experienced residual effects of her condition for more than six months.

The respondent denied that Ms. O’Brien sustained a GBS Table injury within the Table time period and denied that the flu vaccine caused her GBS or any other injury.

Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on April 6, 2021, agreeing to settle the case and award compensation. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran adopted the stipulation as his decision. Ms.

O’Brien was awarded a lump sum of $100,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The case proceeded as a Table claim.

Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, and Respondent was represented by Kimberly Shubert Davey of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.