Paul Schachter v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2017)

Paul Schachter filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a consequence of his September 29, 2014 influenza vaccination. He further alleged that he suffered residual effects of this injury for more than six months.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner’s alleged GBS or any other injury, and denied that his alleged current disabilities were a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation for damages, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The court adopted the stipulation as the decision of the Court. Pursuant to the terms of the stipulation, the court awarded Paul Schachter a lump sum of $135,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.