Robert Sauer v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (“GBS”) and/or chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy (2019)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Robert Sauer filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on June 12, 2017. Mr.
Sauer alleged that he developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and/or chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy after receiving an influenza vaccination on October 13, 2015. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccination caused the alleged injury.
The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle the case. Under the terms of the stipulation, the respondent agreed to issue a lump sum payment of $90,000.00 to Mr.
Sauer as compensation for all damages. Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth adopted the stipulation and awarded the compensation.
The public decision does not describe the petitioner's counsel, respondent's counsel, the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. The decision is designated as unpublished but will be posted on the Court of Federal Claims' website, with parties having the option to request redaction of confidential information.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Robert Sauer alleged developing Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and/or chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy after an influenza vaccination on October 13, 2015. Respondent denied causation. The parties reached a settlement via joint stipulation, agreeing to a lump sum payment of $90,000.00 to petitioner for all damages. Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth adopted the stipulation and awarded compensation on April 5, 2019. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, medical experts, or the mechanism of injury. Petitioner was represented by Joseph Vuckovich, Esq., and respondent by Claudia Gangi, Esq.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-00780