Robert Laing v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2026)

On September 3, 2020, Robert Laing filed a petition seeking compensation under the Vaccine Act. He alleged that he suffered Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 12, 2017.

The entitlement phase was resolved through respondent's concession. On July 16, 2021, respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Mr.

Laing satisfied the criteria in the revised Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation for a Table GBS injury. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on July 20, 2021, finding Mr. Laing entitled to compensation.

The later damages record showed that the parties treated Mr. Laing's injury as requiring both immediate compensation and a future life-care structure.

After the case was reassigned to Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey, respondent filed a proffer on April 1, 2026. The proffer stated that respondent used life-care planner Linda Curtis, RN, MS, CCM, CNLCP, and petitioner used Kay Hairston, BSN, RN, CCM, CNLCP, to estimate future vaccine-injury related needs.

The proffer included life-care items such as Medicare Part B and Medigap coverage, home modifications, vehicle hand controls, and a scooter carrier, with future payments to be made through an annuity. On April 1, 2026, Special Master Dorsey awarded compensation based on the proffer.

The immediate lump sum was $157,726.79, consisting of $30,151.82 for life-care expenses expected during the first year after judgment, $127,500.00 for actual and projected pain and suffering, and $74.97 for past unreimbursable expenses. The award also included an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for future life-care items described in the proffer.

The annuity payments were payable only so long as Mr. Laing was alive when a payment came due, and he was identified as a competent adult with no guardianship requirement.