Michael Lauer v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2018)

Michael Lauer filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on January 18, 2018, alleging he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination received on October 30, 2015. Mr.

Lauer asserted that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that he experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that he had no prior award or settlement for his injury. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr.

Lauer's alleged GBS or any other injury, and denied that his current disabilities were a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on January 29, 2018, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

The Chief Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Pursuant to the stipulation, Mr.

Lauer was awarded a lump sum of $72,500.00 as compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.