Christopher Hudson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2022)

Christopher Hudson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on August 17, 2021, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on September 2, 2020. GBS is a condition listed in the Vaccine Injury Table.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on July 5, 2022, conceding that Mr. Hudson was entitled to compensation.

The respondent believed that Mr. Hudson met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on July 5, 2022, finding Mr.

Hudson entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on August 8, 2022, the respondent filed a proffer on the award of compensation.

This proffer indicated that Mr. Hudson should be awarded $156,805.19.

This amount was comprised of $155,000.00 for actual and projected pain and suffering, with the future pain and suffering portion reduced to net present value, and $1,805.19 for past unreimbursable expenses. The proffer stated that Mr.

Hudson, a competent adult, agreed with this proffered award. Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision on September 12, 2022, awarding Mr.

Hudson the sum of $156,805.19 as a lump sum payment, payable to him, representing compensation for pain and suffering and past unreimbursable expenses. Petitioner's counsel was Alison H.

Haskins of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, and respondent's counsel was Julia Marter Collison of the U.S. Department of Justice.