Edith Murray v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2023)

Edith Murray filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on September 15, 2020. The petition stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, her injury lasted longer than six months, and she had not previously received compensation for this injury.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Murray was entitled to compensation.

The respondent agreed that her case met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation, and that she satisfied the statutory requirements for filing, location of vaccination, duration of injury, and lack of prior compensation. Following the ruling on entitlement, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, recommending an award of $215,000.00 for pain and suffering.

Ms. Murray agreed with this proffered award.

The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding Ms. Murray a lump sum payment of $215,000.00.