William Minsterman, Jr. v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2020)

William Minsterman, Jr. filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on October 6, 2015. He further alleged that he suffered residual effects of these injuries for more than six months.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused his alleged neurologic injuries, including GBS, or any other injury, and denied that his current disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The court adopted the stipulation as its decision awarding damages. William Minsterman, Jr. was awarded a lump sum of $125,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The case proceeded as a Table claim, as GBS is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table for the influenza vaccine.