Steven Patton v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2017)

Steven Patton filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 24, 2017, alleging that he suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) following an influenza vaccination administered on November 13, 2014. Mr.

Patton asserted that the vaccine was given in the United States, that he experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that no prior award or settlement had been made for his condition. The respondent denied that the influenza immunization caused Mr.

Patton's GBS. Despite this denial, the parties submitted a joint stipulation on April 21, 2017, agreeing to an award of compensation.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Mr.

Patton was awarded a lump sum of $150,000.00, payable by check to the petitioner, as compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The decision was issued on December 8, 2017.

Petitioner's counsel was Clifford Shoemaker of Shoemaker, Gentry & Knickelbein, and respondent's counsel was Ryan Pyles of the U.S. Department of Justice.