Harold D. O’Dell v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2020)

On May 12, 2017, Harold D. O’Dell filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Mr. O’Dell alleged that he developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after receiving an influenza vaccine on or about October 13, 2015.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccination caused Mr. O’Dell's alleged injury and further denied that he suffered a GBS Table injury.

Despite these contested claims, the parties reached a settlement agreement. The respondent agreed to pay Mr.

O’Dell a lump sum of $91,500.00, payable by check to Mr. O’Dell, as compensation for all damages available under the program.

Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded the compensation amount. The decision directed the clerk of the court to enter judgment in accordance with the stipulation and award.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical details of the GBS, any diagnostic tests performed, or treatments received. It also does not name the petitioner's counsel or respondent's counsel beyond their professional roles.