Charles Huggins v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2020)

Charles Huggins filed a petition on February 23, 2018, alleging that he developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on October 14, 2014. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a report recommending compensation, stating that Mr.

Huggins satisfied the criteria for GBS on the Vaccine Injury Table. The respondent noted that GBS is presumed to be caused by a seasonal flu vaccine if it occurs between three and forty-two days after vaccination and there is no apparent alternative cause.

Based on the respondent's concession, the court issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Mr. Huggins entitled to compensation for GBS and its related sequelae.

Subsequently, the parties reached a stipulation for damages. The respondent proffered a lump sum payment of $115,000.00 to cover all elements of compensation.

The court adopted the proffer and awarded Mr. Huggins $115,000.00 in a lump sum payment.

The decision was issued on January 10, 2020.