Johnny Sturdivant v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2018)

Johnny Sturdivant filed a petition for compensation on December 21, 2016, alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on January 13, 2014, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and that he suffered residual effects for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused or aggravated the petitioner's condition.

Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to compensation. The stipulation noted that the influenza vaccine is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table.

Special Master Christian J. Moran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court.

The decision awarded Johnny Sturdivant a lump sum payment of $50,000.00, payable by check to the petitioner, as compensation for all damages. The decision was issued on October 25, 2018.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical details of the GBS, diagnostic tests performed, treatments received, or the mechanism by which the vaccine allegedly caused the GBS. Petitioner's counsel was Diana L.

Stadelnikas of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, and respondent's counsel was Ashley M. Simpson of the United States Department of Justice.