John Schouest v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On August 18, 2023, John Schouest filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 29, 2022 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. Respondent denied that Mr.
Schouest sustained a Table GBS injury, denied that the flu vaccine caused his alleged GBS or any other condition, and denied that his current condition was vaccine-related. The public stipulation does not describe his first neurologic symptoms, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, immune treatment, rehabilitation, or residual deficits.
The parties resolved the case by joint stipulation. On June 18, 2025, Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran awarded $145,000.00 in total compensation, consisting of $144,908.44 as a lump sum through counsel's IOLTA account and $91.56 jointly to petitioner and Optum for a Medicaid lien.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine October 29, 2022 allegedly causing GBS; adult, exact age not stated. COMPENSATED by stipulation. Respondent denied Table GBS, causation, and sequelae; public stipulation lacks neurologic chronology. Award $144,908.44 lump sum + $91.56 Optum Medicaid lien = $145,000. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition August 18, 2023; decision June 18, 2025.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01353