Mei H. Li v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2022)

Mei H. Li filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of her October 17, 2016, influenza vaccination.

The respondent conceded that Ms. Li 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 determined that the claim met the statutory severity requirements because Ms. Li experienced sequelae of her GBS for more than six months.

Consequently, the respondent concluded that Ms. Li satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation.

A ruling on entitlement was issued on July 7, 2020, finding Ms. Li entitled to compensation.

On January 18, 2022, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, which Ms. Li agreed with.

The proffer recommended an award of $180,765.34 for pain and suffering, first-year life care expenses, and past unreimbursable expenses, to be paid as a lump sum. Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for future life care items was recommended.

The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding damages on February 18, 2022, granting the lump sum payment and the annuity as proffered.