Heidemarie Johnston v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On August 3, 2022, Heidemarie Johnston filed a petition alleging Guillain-Barré syndrome after an influenza vaccination administered on September 22, 2019. Respondent conceded that the claim met the Table criteria for GBS, and Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran granted entitlement on April 25, 2023. The damages decision adopted a proffer with a life-care component.
The public proffer does not narrate Ms. Johnston’s full clinical course, but the award structure reflects ongoing care needs: future medical and related care items were set out in an appendix and funded partly by annuity.
On May 19, 2025, the Special Master awarded an immediate lump sum of $376,475.10, consisting of first-year life-care expenses of $102,451.28, $250,000.00 for pain and suffering, and $24,023.82 for past unreimbursable expenses. He also awarded the amount necessary to purchase an annuity contract for future compensation years, with annual life-care payments following the anniversary of judgment.
Theory of causation
Adult petitioner; influenza vaccine September 22, 2019; Table Guillain-Barré syndrome. COMPENSATED. Respondent conceded entitlement; public text lacks detailed clinical chronology but damages include extensive life-care funding. Entitlement April 25, 2023; damages May 19, 2025. Immediate lump sum $376,475.10 = $102,451.28 first-year life care + $250,000.00 pain/suffering + $24,023.82 past expenses, plus annuity for future care. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran. Petition filed August 3, 2022.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00852