George J. Stippich, III v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2018)

George J. Stippich, III filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on December 1, 2016, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) caused by his influenza vaccination on December 9, 2015.

He stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that he suffered residual effects for more than six months, and that he had no prior award or settlement for his injury. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused his GBS or any other injury.

Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on October 11, 2018, agreeing that compensation should be awarded. The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

The award included a lump sum of $257,089.16 for first-year life care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses, payable to the petitioner. Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract was awarded for future needs, paid to a life insurance company.

This award represented compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The decision was issued on December 12, 2018.