Elizabeth Muehlbacher v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2017)

Elizabeth Muehlbacher filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of her influenza vaccination on October 3, 2012. She stated that she received the vaccination in the United States, suffered the effects of her injury for more than six months, and had no prior award or settlement for damages.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged GBS or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on April 26, 2017, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

The Chief Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the Court's decision. The award included a lump sum of $354,626.90 for first-year life-care expenses, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses, plus an additional amount to purchase an annuity contract.

The decision directed the clerk of the court to enter judgment in accordance with the stipulation, unless a motion for review was filed.