Karleen Witt v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2020)

Karleen Witt filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 10, 2019, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on November 7, 2016. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

On June 29, 2020, the respondent conceded that Ms. Witt was entitled to compensation, finding that she suffered the Table injury of GBS following a flu vaccine within the Table time period and that her GBS was not due to an unrelated factor.

The claim also met the statutory severity requirements as her sequelae lasted more than six months. A ruling on entitlement was issued on June 29, 2020, finding her entitled to compensation.

On August 19, 2020, the respondent filed a proffer for an award of compensation. The proffered award included a lump sum of $80,078.00 for pain and suffering and past unreimbursed expenses, and a lump sum of $61,040.57 to satisfy a Medicaid lien.

Ms. Witt agreed with the proffered award.

The Chief Special Master awarded Ms. Witt a total of $141,118.57.