Rebecca Hawes v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On March 29, 2021, Rebecca Hawes filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered in early January 2019 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. The entitlement dispute focused on proof that she actually received a covered flu vaccine on January 7, 2019, because the record contained some date inconsistency.
The medical story in the public findings began soon after vaccination. Ms.
Hawes presented to an emergency department on January 21, 2019 with disequilibrium, paresthesias, and gait difficulty. On January 22, a record noted a recent flu vaccine, and on January 24 she was transferred for treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Chief Special Master Corcoran found the vaccine evidence sufficient despite the January 6/January 7 discrepancy and granted entitlement on April 19, 2024. Damages were later resolved by proffer.
The public damages decision does not provide a full rehabilitation or long-term functional narrative. On April 29, 2025, the Chief Special Master awarded $135,000.00 as a lump sum through counsel for all damages available under the Vaccine Act.
A later fee decision was separate from the injury award.
Theory of causation
Adult petitioner; influenza vaccine January 7, 2019; GBS. COMPENSATED. Entitlement dispute concerned proof of covered vaccination/date; records showed Jan. 21, 2019 disequilibrium, paresthesias, and gait difficulty, Jan. 22 recent flu vaccine note, and Jan. 24 transfer for GBS treatment. Chief SM Corcoran found vaccine proof sufficient and granted entitlement April 19, 2024. Damages April 29, 2025: $135,000.00 lump sum. Petition filed March 29, 2021.