Carrie Schmatz v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2019)

Carrie Schmatz filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 13, 2017. Petitioner alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving the influenza vaccine on November 3, 2015.

The respondent denied that the vaccine caused the alleged injury but agreed to a settlement. The parties stipulated to an award of compensation.

The stipulation included satisfaction of three liens: a lien for $33,257.05 payable to The Rawlings Company, a lien for $3,910.05 payable to Optum, and a lien for $101.88 payable to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Petitioner also received a lump sum of $90,000.00.

The total award was $127,268.93. Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded compensation on October 18, 2019. Petitioner was represented by Jerome A.

Konkel of Samster, Konkel & Safran, S.C., and respondent was represented by Jennifer L. Reynaud of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.