Patricia Alanis v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Patricia Alanis, as mother and natural guardian of the minor child I.A., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on May 24, 2022. She alleged that I.A., who was eleven years old, suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on October 11, 2019.
I.A. developed bilateral leg pain, tingling, and weakness thirteen days after vaccination. He was hospitalized from October 24 to October 31, 2019, where an MRI showed findings suggestive of GBS, and he received a lumbar puncture and IVIg treatment.
He was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility and discharged on November 14, 2019, able to walk with assistance. He underwent extensive physical and occupational therapy between November 2019 and May 2020.
A follow-up with his neurologist on March 13, 2020, indicated his GBS was assessed as "almost fully resolved," and he was discharged from physical therapy on March 17, 2020. I.A. continued to experience intermittent leg pain and fatigue for several years, with records noting discomfort during activities, occasional calf pain after running, and "cramp-like" pain in his legs during physical activity, though his GBS was reported as fully resolved and without relapse.
The respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report on June 5, 2023, conceding entitlement, agreeing that I.A. satisfied the criteria for a Table injury. The parties were unable to resolve damages informally, leading to a hearing.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on June 6, 2023, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation.
In a decision dated June 20, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded I.A. $140,000.00 for actual pain and suffering and $1,383.60 for past unreimbursable expenses, totaling $141,383.60. The award for expenses excluded the cost of a treadmill due to insufficient evidence of a medical recommendation.
Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, and Respondent was represented by Michael Joseph Lang and later Debra A.
Filteau Begley of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Theory of causation
Petitioner I.A., age 11, received an influenza vaccine on October 11, 2019. Thirteen days later, on October 24, 2019, he developed bilateral leg pain, tingling, and weakness, followed by mild ataxia. Medical records indicated findings suggestive of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), and he was treated with IVIg and underwent hospitalization and rehabilitation. The respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that I.A. satisfied the criteria for a Table injury, specifically GBS with onset between three and forty-two days after a seasonal flu vaccination, with no more likely alternative diagnosis or apparent alternative cause. The public decision does not name specific medical experts or detail the mechanism of injury beyond the Table presumption. I.A. experienced intermittent leg pain and fatigue for several years, though his GBS was reported as fully resolved. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran awarded $140,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,383.60 for unreimbursable expenses, totaling $141,383.60, in a decision issued June 20, 2025. Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant and Respondent by Michael Joseph Lang and Debra A. Filteau Begley.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00565