Dennis Schaefer v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2017)

On January 31, 2017, Dennis Schaefer filed a petition alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on September 22, 2015. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, was represented by Claudia B.

Gangi. The petitioner was represented by Jeffrey S.

Pop. In a ruling on entitlement dated August 30, 2017, Special Master Laura D.

Millman noted that the respondent did not contest entitlement in this matter. Based on the respondent's concession, Special Master Millman ruled that Mr.

Schaefer was entitled to damages. The parties subsequently reached a stipulation for an award of compensation, detailed in a decision dated November 7, 2017.

The award included compensation for lost earnings and pain and suffering. The total award amount was $401,347.45, comprising $176,347.45 for lost earnings and $225,000.00 for pain and suffering.

This award was to be paid as a lump sum check made payable to Dennis Schaefer. The case proceeded as a Table claim, as GBS is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table for the influenza vaccine.

The decision was not published.