William Lance Ferguson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2017)

William Lance Ferguson filed a petition on August 4, 2016, alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on October 12, 2013, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Mr.

Ferguson further alleged that he suffered residual effects from the GBS for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused or aggravated his condition.

Despite the respondent's denial, the parties reached a stipulation for compensation. Special Master Christian J.

Moran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court. The award included a lump sum payment of $225,000.00, payable to Mr.

Ferguson via check, intended to compensate for all damages available under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The decision was finalized on October 6, 2017.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Petitioner counsel was William E.

Cochran, Jr. of Black McLaren, et al., PC, and respondent counsel was Traci R. Patton of the United States Department of Justice.