Connie Watson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2024)

Connie Watson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination she received on October 31, 2019. She stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that she experienced residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and that she had not received any prior award or settlement for this injury.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Ms. Watson's GBS or any other injury.

Despite this denial, the parties reached a joint stipulation for settlement. The Chief Special Master adopted the stipulation as the decision awarding damages.

Ms. Watson was awarded a lump sum of $105,000.00, which represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The decision also noted that the parties would submit to further proceedings to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The stipulation included a release of all claims against the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services related to the alleged vaccine injury.