Alexander Katsaros v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and an encephalopathy (2016)

Alexander Katsaros, represented by F. John Caldwell, filed a petition, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and an encephalopathy, with residual effects lasting more than six months, caused by an influenza vaccine received on January 14, 2013.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, represented by Debra A. Filteau Begley, denied that the flu vaccine caused these alleged injuries.

The parties reached a stipulation to resolve the case. Special Master Laura D.

Millman reviewed the stipulation and found its terms to be reasonable. The court adopted the stipulation and awarded Alexander Katsaros $200,000.00 in compensation for all damages.

The decision was issued on May 6, 2016. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the medical experts consulted by either party.

The specific mechanism of causation was not detailed in the public decision.