Michael L. Black v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2017)

Michael L. Black filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on January 16, 2013.

He further alleged that his injuries persisted for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused or significantly aggravated his alleged injury.

Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to a settlement. The stipulation stated that the flu vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table, and that Mr.

Black received the vaccine within the United States. The parties agreed that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

Chief Special Master Dorsey adopted the stipulation, awarding Mr. Black a lump sum of $150,000.00 for all items of damages.

This amount represents compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act. The decision was entered on March 2, 2017, following the stipulation filed on November 15, 2016.