Thomas Williams v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2022)

Thomas Williams filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after receiving an influenza vaccination on October 4, 2016. The petition stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, his condition persisted for more than six months, and he had not previously collected an award for this injury.

Respondent denied that Mr. Williams satisfied the Table requirements for a GBS Table injury and denied that his GBS was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccination.

Despite these positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as its decision.

Pursuant to the stipulation, Mr. Williams was awarded a lump sum of $325,000.00 as compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.

This award represents a settlement of liability and damages claimed under the program.