Barbara Plummer v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) causing or contributing to death (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On December 1, 2023, Michelle Russell, as executor of the estate of Barbara Plummer, filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered to Ms. Plummer on September 26, 2022 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome.
The petition further alleged that GBS caused or contributed to Ms. Plummer's death on April 1, 2023.
Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report filed August 29, 2024, agreeing that Ms. Plummer was entitled to compensation for a Table GBS injury.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement on August 30, 2024.
The public decisions do not describe Ms. Plummer's first neurologic symptoms, hospitalization, respiratory course, treatment, or the clinical circumstances of death.
On November 27, 2024, the Chief Special Master awarded $465,264.00 as a lump sum payable to the petitioner. The award consisted of $200,000.00 representative of pain and suffering, $250,000.00 for the death benefit, and $15,264.00 for unreimbursable medical expenses.
A later August 19, 2025 decision addressed attorneys' fees and costs only.
Theory of causation
Adult decedent Barbara Plummer; influenza vaccine September 26, 2022; Table GBS alleged to have caused/contributed to death April 1, 2023. COMPENSATED. Respondent conceded entitlement; public text lacks clinical/death circumstances. Entitlement August 30, 2024; damages November 27, 2024. Award $465,264.00 = $200,000.00 pain/suffering + $250,000.00 death benefit + $15,264.00 unreimbursable expenses. Petitioner/executor Michelle Russell. SM Corcoran.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-02064