DRESHER, PA — A Pennsylvania woman received $229,845.14 through the federal vaccine injury compensation program after developing Guillain-Barré syndrome following an influenza vaccination, according to the law firm that represented her.
My Vaccine Lawyer stated that the award covered medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering. Attorney Leigh Finfer represented the claimant.
The woman, who was not identified, received a flu shot in October 2022 and began experiencing severe headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, drooping eyelids and difficulty swallowing within weeks, according to the firm.
She was hospitalized two days before her wedding and discharged the following day to attend her rehearsal dinner. The firm reported that she required assistance walking during the wedding, left the reception early and returned to the hospital that night.
Her planned honeymoon to New Zealand was canceled.
Doctors diagnosed her with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks peripheral nerves. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and later required intubation, ventilator support and inpatient rehabilitation, the firm stated.
Her treatment was complicated by sepsis, and related medical problems continued for more than six months after she left the hospital. The firm reported that she has since fully recovered.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides a legal process for people seeking compensation for certain injuries or deaths alleged to have resulted from covered vaccines. Awards are made through the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and do not necessarily represent a finding that a vaccine manufacturer or health care provider acted negligently.
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