Peter Wells v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2016)

Peter Wells filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on September 20, 2013. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects of GBS for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury. Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Peter Wells was awarded $217,060.00 as compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The case proceeded as a Table claim, as GBS is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table for the influenza vaccine. The stipulation was approved, and judgment was entered in accordance with the decision.