S.B. v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On June 24, 2022, Van Blue, Jr., as the parent and natural guardian of his minor child S.B., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The petition alleged that S.B. suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination received on October 2, 2019.
The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on February 9, 2023, conceding that S.B. met the criteria for GBS as a Table injury following a seasonal influenza vaccine and that her medical records did not contain evidence of an alternative cause. Based on this concession, Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on February 10, 2023, finding S.B. entitled to compensation. Subsequently, the parties reached an agreement on damages.
On July 8, 2024, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding a total of $288,926.76. This award comprised a lump sum of $205,000.00 for pain and suffering, payable to Van Blue, Jr. for the benefit of S.B., and a lump sum of $83,926.76 to satisfy a Medicaid lien, payable jointly to Van Blue, Jr. and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Petitioner counsel was Paul R. Brazil of Muller Brazil, LLP.
Respondent counsel was Camille Michelle Collett of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the medical expert witnesses involved in this case.