Michael C. King v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”) (2016)

Michael C. King filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on May 15, 2015, alleging he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after receiving an influenza vaccine on December 10, 2012.

The petition also mentioned pneumococcal polysaccharide and/or tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccines received on January 10, 2013, but the parties stipulated that the award would be based on the allegations regarding the influenza vaccine. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the influenza vaccine caused Mr.

King's GBS or any other injury. The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation to settle the case.

As part of the stipulation, Mr. King was awarded a lump sum of $145,000.00, payable to him, representing compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted the stipulation as the decision of the court and directed the clerk to enter judgment accordingly. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, or treatments.

Petitioner's counsel was Kathy Lee, Cline, Farrell et al., and respondent's counsel was Christine Becer. The case proceeded as a "Table claim" because GBS is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table for the influenza vaccine.