Christine Larsen v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2023)

Christine Larsen 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 she received on October 24, 2018. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

Initially, the respondent conceded that Ms. Larsen was entitled to compensation, agreeing that her condition met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table.

Based on this concession and the available evidence, a ruling on entitlement was issued on August 31, 2020, finding her eligible for compensation. Subsequently, the parties filed a joint stipulation on damages.

Although the respondent had filed an amended report recommending denial based on later medical records, they agreed to settle the case. The stipulation stated that the parties agreed to award compensation as described in paragraph 7 of the stipulation.

The court adopted the stipulation as its decision, awarding a lump sum of $400,000.00 payable to Ms. Larsen, and an additional amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract.

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