Theodore Hand v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2025)

Theodore Hand filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination received on September 23, 2022. He claimed that his GBS was a Table injury, meaning it is presumed to be caused by the vaccine under the program's guidelines, and that he experienced residual effects for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reviewed the petition and medical records and conceded that Mr. Hand met the criteria for a Table injury.

The respondent's Rule 4(c) report confirmed that GBS is a Table injury for flu vaccinations, with an onset window between three and forty-two days, and that there was no apparent alternative cause in this case. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, a ruling on entitlement was issued finding Mr.

Hand entitled to compensation. Subsequently, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to a settlement.

The court adopted the stipulation, awarding Theodore Hand a lump sum of $185,066.61. This amount represents compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act, and the stipulation also addresses attorneys' fees and costs.

The case was resolved through this stipulation, with the court directing that judgment be entered in accordance with the decision.