Joseph Andre Bernard LeBlanc v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and/or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (2022)

Joseph Andre Bernard LeBlanc filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on July 25, 2019. He alleged that he suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and/or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) caused by an influenza vaccine administered on October 20, 2018.

The petition stated that the vaccination occurred within the United States, that the residual effects of his condition lasted for more than six months, and that there had been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on his behalf. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's condition.

Despite maintaining their respective positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation for damages on April 26, 2022, agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as his decision. The decision awards Joseph Andre Bernard LeBlanc a lump sum of $1,200,000.00, payable by check to the Petitioner.

This amount represents compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act, including lost earnings and pain and suffering. The decision was issued on April 29, 2022.

Petitioner was represented by Christopher E. Hultquist of the Law Office of Christopher E.

Hultquist, Esq. Respondent was represented by Kimberly Shubert Davey of the U.S.

Department of Justice.