Margaret Cooper-Hendon v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2022)

Margaret Cooper-Hendon filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccination on October 29, 2019. The respondent conceded that Ms.

Cooper-Hendon is entitled to compensation, agreeing that her condition met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation. The respondent confirmed that the onset of GBS occurred within the Table timeframe of three to forty-two days after the flu vaccination and that there was no apparent alternative cause.

The respondent also agreed that the petition was timely filed, the vaccine was received in the United States, and Ms. Cooper-Hendon met the statutory severity requirement of suffering residual effects for more than six months.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the court found Ms. Cooper-Hendon entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, a proffer on award of compensation was filed, indicating Ms. Cooper-Hendon's agreement to the proposed amount.

The court awarded her a lump sum payment of $127,476.61, which included $125,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,476.61 for unreimbursed medical expenses. This award represents compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act.