Dawn Hobbs v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2024)

Dawn Hobbs filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a Table Injury of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination she received on November 4, 2019. The respondent conceded that Ms.

Hobbs is entitled to compensation, agreeing that her injury met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table, specifically that the onset of GBS occurred within the specified timeframe after a seasonal flu vaccination and that there was no apparent alternative cause. The respondent also confirmed that Ms.

Hobbs timely filed her case, received the vaccine in the United States, and satisfied the statutory severity requirement by suffering residual effects for more than six months. A ruling on entitlement was issued on July 10, 2023, finding her entitled to compensation.

As the parties could not resolve damages informally, a hearing was held on January 29, 2024. The court awarded Ms.

Hobbs a total of $152,958.62, which included $135,000.00 for pain and suffering, $7,458.42 for unreimbursed expenses, and $10,500.20 for lost wages.