Jyl Ann Poteet v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2024)

Jyl Ann Poteet filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) caused by an influenza vaccine she received on October 3, 2017. The respondent conceded that Ms.

Poteet was entitled to compensation, agreeing that her condition met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table. Following the concession of entitlement, the parties were unable to resolve damages on their own, leading to a decision awarding damages.

The court awarded Ms. Poteet $160,000.00 for actual pain and suffering.

The decision noted that while Ms. Poteet experienced severe initial symptoms requiring hospitalization and strong pain medication, and continued to suffer residual effects like fatigue and balance difficulties for several years, her symptoms were not deemed severe enough to warrant future pain and suffering compensation.

The court also considered that some of her ongoing symptoms could be attributed to her age and pre-existing co-morbidities, such as diabetes and heart disease. The award was based on the severity and duration of her GBS illness, drawing comparisons to similar cases, and was determined to be fair and reasonable for her past pain and suffering.