Vanessa Villarreal v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On December 31, 2024, Vanessa Villarreal filed a petition alleging that she developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a Vaccine Injury Table injury, after an influenza vaccination administered on December 15, 2022. Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report, stating that Ms.
Villarreal satisfied the Table and Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation criteria for influenza-associated GBS, including onset between three and forty-two days after vaccination and no apparent alternative cause. Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran entered an entitlement ruling on July 17, 2025. Damages were resolved by proffer.
On December 2, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded a lump sum of $278,131.96: $250,000.00 for pain and suffering and $28,131.96 for unreimbursed expenses. A later February 25, 2026 attorney-fee decision did not change the injury award.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine on December 15, 2022, causing Table GBS; COMPENSATED after respondent conceded Table criteria including 3-42 day onset and no apparent alternative cause. Award $278,131.96 ($250,000 pain/suffering + $28,131.96 unreimbursed expenses). Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran, petition filed December 31, 2024; entitlement July 17, 2025; damages December 2, 2025. Attorney: Leah V. Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, Washington DC.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-02156