John M. Robinson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2017)

John M. Robinson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 7, 2013.

He asserted that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that he experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that there had been no prior award or settlement for his condition. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr.

Robinson's GBS or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation for damages, agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Mr.

Robinson was awarded a lump sum of $299,287, which represented compensation for pain and suffering ($175,000), past and future lost wages ($117,902), and home modifications ($6,385). This amount was intended to cover all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.