Joyce Scatchard v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2023)

Joyce Scatchard filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 20, 2021. She alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on September 20, 2018.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on September 25, 2023, conceding that Ms. Scatchard is entitled to compensation.

The respondent concluded that Ms. Scatchard satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and all statutory and jurisdictional requirements.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement on September 26, 2023, finding Ms.

Scatchard entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on September 26, 2023, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Decision Awarding Damages.

In this decision, the respondent proffered an award of $190,000.00 for pain and suffering, which Ms. Scatchard agreed to.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded Ms.

Scatchard a lump sum payment of $190,000.00 for pain and suffering, payable by check to Petitioner. Petitioner's counsel was John Robert Howie, Jr. of Howie Law, PC.

Respondent's counsel was Katherine Carr Esposito of the U.S. Department of Justice.