Paul R. Rodgers v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2017)

Paul R. Rodgers filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on January 3, 2017, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on October 9, 2014.

He further alleged that he suffered residual effects from his injury for more than six months. The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused his GBS or any other injury.

Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation for damages on January 3, 2017, agreeing that compensation should be awarded. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

The award included a lump sum of $237,255.14, comprising $37,255.14 for first-year life care expenses and $200,000.00 for pain and suffering, payable to Mr. Rodgers.

Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract, as described in the stipulation, was to be paid to the life insurance company. This compensation covers all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The decision was entered on April 27, 2017. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.

Petitioner was represented by William E. Cochran, Jr. of Black McLaren, et al., PC, and respondent was represented by Amy Paula Kokot of the U.S.

Department of Justice.