Award of Compensation for Vaccine Injury

Strategic Insights -

John Lynn Stedje, a 45-year-old Washington resident, has received a compensation award for his Guillain-Barre Syndrome ("GBS") injury, a rare autoimmune disorder. Stedje had received an influenza vaccine on September 24, 2021, and later developed symptoms of GBS. He filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in April 2024. After a thorough review of the case, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran has awarded Stedje a lump sum payment of $168,274.04, comprising $166,875.00 for pain and suffering and $1,399.04 for unreimbursable expenses.

Key Takeaways:

  • John Lynn Stedje filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in April 2024, alleging that he suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome ("GBS") following an influenza vaccine administered on September 24, 2021.
  • The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters, and a ruling on entitlement was issued on February 5, 2025, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for GBS.
  • Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation indicating that Petitioner should be awarded $168,274.04 (comprised of $166,875.00 for pain and suffering and $1,399.04 for unreimbursable expenses).
  • Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran has awarded Petitioner a lump sum payment of $168,274.04 to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner.
  • This award represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.
  • Petitioner's case was managed by Chief Special Master Corcoran on July 31, 2025, and made publicly accessible in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002.
  • Petitioner, a competent adult, is not required to provide evidence of guardianship.
  • The compensation award includes unreimbursable expenses, as evidenced by documents supplied by Petitioner.

Statistics:

  • $168,274.04: total compensation award
  • $166,875.00: compensation for pain and suffering
  • $1,399.04: compensation for unreimbursable expenses
  • April 3, 2024: date John Lynn Stedje filed a petition for compensation
  • September 24, 2021: date John Lynn Stedje received an influenza vaccine
  • February 5, 2025: date a ruling on entitlement was issued
  • July 29, 2025: date Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation
  • July 31, 2025: date Chief Special Master Corcoran made the award publicly accessible

Sources:

  • In the United States Court of Federal Claims, OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS, No. 24-503V, John Lynn Stedje, Petitioner, v. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Respondent, Chief Special Master Corcoran
  • Respondent's Proffer on Award of Compensation, dated July 29, 2025