Kristen Nelson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On October 26, 2023, Kristen Nelson filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on September 2, 2021 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding entitlement, and Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found Ms. Nelson entitled to compensation on July 8, 2024.
The public entitlement and damages decisions do not describe the onset of neurologic symptoms, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, treatment, rehabilitation, or residual deficits. On September 13, 2024, the Chief Special Master awarded $177,291.40 as a lump sum payable to Ms.
Nelson. The award consisted of $98,500.00 for pain and suffering, $7,971.53 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $70,819.87 for past lost wages.
A later August 26, 2025 decision addressed attorneys' fees and costs only.
Theory of causation
Adult petitioner; influenza vaccine September 2, 2021; Table GBS. COMPENSATED. Respondent conceded entitlement; public text lacks detailed clinical course. Entitlement July 8, 2024; damages September 13, 2024. Award $177,291.40 = $98,500.00 pain/suffering + $7,971.53 expenses + $70,819.87 lost wages. SM Corcoran. Petition filed October 26, 2023.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01886