Alex Bratcher, Jr. v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2024)

Alex Bratcher, Jr. filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on September 2, 2020. He claimed the vaccine was administered in the United States, that his injury was on the Vaccine Injury Table, that he experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that there had been no prior award or settlement for his injury.

Respondent denied that Petitioner sustained a GBS Table injury, denied that the flu vaccine caused his GBS or any other injury, and denied that his current condition was a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The court adopted the stipulation as its decision, awarding Alex Bratcher, Jr. a lump sum of $110,000.00 for all items of damages. This amount represents a settlement of liability and damages claimed under the program.