Thomas Reece v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) (2017)

Thomas Reece filed a petition, alleging that his receipt of an influenza vaccine on or about October 31, 2014, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and that he experienced residual effects for more than six months. The Secretary of Health and Human Services denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr.

Reece's GBS or any other injury. The parties reached a settlement agreement to resolve the case.

Special Master Laura D. Millman adopted the stipulation and awarded compensation.

The award included a lump sum of $646,322.67, which represented compensation for first-year life care expenses ($66,852.81), lost earnings ($332,793.86), pain and suffering ($235,000.00), and past unreimbursable expenses ($11,676.00). This lump sum was to be paid via check to the petitioner.

Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract, as described in the stipulation, was awarded and to be paid to the life insurance company from which the annuity would be purchased. The decision was issued on January 17, 2017.

Michael G. McLaren represented the petitioner, and Amy P.

Kokot represented the respondent. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.