John Southworth v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2024)

On October 2, 2023, John Southworth filed a petition seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on November 10, 2020. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on July 15, 2024, conceding that Mr.

Southworth is entitled to compensation. The respondent agreed that Mr.

Southworth suffered GBS following the flu vaccine within the timeframe specified by the Vaccine Injury Table and that there was insufficient evidence to prove the GBS was due to an unrelated factor. The petition also met the statutory severity requirement, as Mr.

Southworth experienced sequelae of GBS for more than six months. On July 17, 2024, Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement, finding Mr. Southworth entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on August 29, 2024, the parties filed a Proffer on Award of Compensation. The proffer stated that Mr.

Southworth agreed with the proposed award. Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Decision on Damages on September 30, 2024, awarding Mr.

Southworth a lump sum of $100,000.00 for all damages, payable by check to the petitioner. Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V.

Durant, PLLC, and the respondent was represented by Jay Travis Williamson of the U.S. Department of Justice.