Dale Drechsler v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2018)

Dale Drechsler filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 12, 2016. He alleged that he received an influenza (flu) vaccine on or about October 1, 2015, and subsequently suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) with residual effects lasting more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr. Drechsler's alleged GBS or any other injury.

Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on August 23, 2018, agreeing to settle the case and award compensation. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the court's decision.

Pursuant to the stipulation, Mr. Drechsler was awarded a lump sum of $195,000.00, payable by check to the petitioner.

This amount is intended to compensate for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The decision was issued on August 28, 2018.

Petitioner was represented by Brittany S. Cates of Faxon Law Group, and respondent was represented by Glenn Alexander MacLeod of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the medical experts consulted by either party.