James Seylaz v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2021)

On May 23, 2018, James Seylaz filed a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on October 16, 2017, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a condition listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects of the injury for more than six months.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused his GBS or any other injury. On December 14, 2021, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to an award of compensation.

The stipulation stated that James Seylaz would receive a lump sum of $87,500.00, payable to him, as compensation for all damages. Special Master Herbrina Sanders adopted the stipulation as the decision of the Court and ordered judgment to be entered accordingly.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Petitioner counsel was Phyllis Widman, and respondent counsel was James Lopez.