Antonio Katz v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (2020)

Antonio Katz filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on November 6, 2015, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). He further alleged that he experienced residual effects from these injuries for more than six months.

The parties filed a stipulation for award, agreeing that compensation should be entered. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's alleged GBS, CIDP, or any other injury, and also denied that Petitioner suffered a GBS Table injury.

Despite these denials, the parties reached a joint stipulation, which the Special Master found reasonable and adopted as the decision of the Court. Under the stipulation, Antonio Katz was awarded a total of $293,402.26.

This amount includes compensation for first-year life care expenses ($43,402.26) and combined lost earnings and pain and suffering ($250,000.00), to be paid as a lump sum. Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for future damages was to be paid to a life insurance company.

The case proceeded as a Table claim for GBS, and the award covers all damages available under the program.