Genevieve Watson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2024)

Genevieve Watson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on May 11, 2022, alleging she developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination received on November 4, 2020. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

On February 14, 2023, the Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Petitioner was entitled to compensation, as her GBS was a Table injury with onset between three and forty-two days after the flu vaccination, and there was no apparent alternative cause. A ruling on entitlement was issued on February 14, 2023, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation.

On January 11, 2024, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, proposing $132,550.00 for pain and suffering and $50.00 for past unreimbursable expenses, plus $2,859.68 to satisfy a Medicaid lien. Petitioner agreed with the proffered award.

The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding damages on February 13, 2024, granting a total of $135,409.68, comprising $132,550.00 in a lump sum payable to Petitioner and $2,859.68 for the Medicaid lien payable jointly to Petitioner and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.