Guillain-Barré Syndrome Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following a flu vaccine or HPV vaccination Gardasil, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to vaccine-related injuries. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Lawsuit Overview

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.

Several lawsuits have been filed alleging that certain vaccines, including the flu vaccine and HPV vaccination Gardasil, can trigger GBS in some individuals.

The CDC has acknowledged that GBS occurs at a rate of approximately 1-2 cases per million flu vaccine doses administered, and similar concerns have been raised regarding other vaccinations.

Latest Guillain-Barré Syndrome Lawsuit Updates

• April 9, 2025 – The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has processed over 7,500 claims related to Guillain-Barré Syndrome following flu vaccination, with settlements averaging $1.2 million per qualifying case. The program continues to recognize GBS as a potential adverse effect following influenza vaccines.
• March 15, 2025 – A federal judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania consolidated 12 cases alleging Guillain-Barré Syndrome after HPV vaccination Gardasil. The consolidation aims to streamline discovery and pretrial proceedings for cases sharing similar medical and scientific questions.
• February 22, 2025 – New medical research published in the Journal of Neurology strengthened the causal relationship between certain vaccines and GBS development, particularly noting timing patterns between administration and symptom onset. This research is expected to impact pending litigation.
• November 12, 2024 – The FDA issued updated warning labels for influenza vaccines, specifically highlighting the risk of developing Guillain-Barré Syndrome within 6 weeks of vaccination. This regulatory action follows comprehensive safety reviews of vaccine adverse event reports.
• October 3, 2024 – A landmark settlement of $3.8 million was awarded to a plaintiff who developed severe GBS following flu vaccination, resulting in permanent paralysis. The case established important precedents for future vaccine injury claims.

Vaccine Injury Statistics

According to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), between 2006 and 2024, approximately 8,700 claims have been filed for injuries related to vaccines, with GBS representing about 12% of these claims.

Flu vaccines, administered to approximately 170 million Americans annually, account for the highest number of GBS-related claims.

The economic impact of severe GBS cases can be substantial. Medical costs for a single severe GBS patient requiring intensive care and rehabilitation can exceed $300,000 in the first year alone.

Lifetime costs for cases resulting in permanent disability can reach several million dollars per patient.

Data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) indicates that between 2010 and 2024, there were approximately 5,200 reported cases of GBS following vaccination, with about 80% occurring after influenza vaccination and roughly 3% following HPV vaccination Gardasil. However, it should be noted that VAERS reports do not necessarily establish causality.

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database and Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) have documented:

• Over 5,200 reports of Guillain-Barré Syndrome potentially linked to vaccinations since 2010
• Approximately 4,160 cases associated with flu vaccines
• Roughly 156 cases following HPV vaccination Gardasil
• An average onset time of 2-6 weeks post-vaccination

The FDA has responded by requiring vaccine manufacturers to include GBS warnings on package inserts for influenza vaccines and continues to monitor the safety profiles of all vaccines, including HPV vaccination Gardasil.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Injuries & Side Effects

Guillain-Barré Syndrome can cause a range of symptoms, varying from mild weakness to complete paralysis and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

• Progressive Muscle Weakness: Starting in the legs and often spreading upward to the arms and face
• Paralysis: Severe cases can lead to quadriplegia requiring long-term care
• Respiratory Distress: Approximately 30% of GBS patients require mechanical ventilation
• Autonomic Dysfunction: Cardiac arrhythmias, blood pressure fluctuations, and urinary retention
• Persistent Neurological Damage: Up to 20% of patients experience long-term disability
• Pain and Sensory Disturbances: Severe neuropathic pain and altered sensations
• Psychological Effects: Depression and anxiety related to sudden disability

Check out our website to find out which dangerous drug lawsuits our lawyers are currently accepting.

Do You Qualify for a Guillain-Barré Syndrome Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Guillain-Barré Syndrome lawsuit if:

• You received a flu vaccine or HPV vaccination Gardasil
• You developed symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome within 1-6 weeks after vaccination
• You required medical treatment for your condition
• Your diagnosis of GBS has been confirmed by a healthcare provider
• You have medical documentation linking your GBS to the vaccination

Evidence Required for a Guillain-Barré Syndrome Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you will need to provide:

• Medical records documenting your GBS diagnosis
• Vaccination records confirming date and type of vaccination
• Neurological test results (nerve conduction studies, spinal tap results)
• Documentation of treatments received and their costs
• Expert medical opinions establishing causation between the vaccination and GBS

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Guillain-Barré Syndrome lawsuits may provide compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses, including hospitalization and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering associated with GBS and its treatment
• Costs of long-term care and assistance with daily activities
• Emotional distress and loss of quality of life
• In some cases, punitive damages against vaccine manufacturers

Vaccine Recall Information

While no complete recalls have been issued for flu vaccines or HPV vaccination Gardasil related to GBS, there have been several significant actions:

• November 2024: The FDA required updated warning labels on all influenza vaccines to more prominently highlight the risk of GBS
• August 2024: One specific lot of influenza vaccine was recalled due to an unusually high rate of adverse events, including several GBS cases
• March 2023: The manufacturer of a specific HPV vaccination formulation issued a voluntary withdrawal of certain lots after quality control concerns

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program continues to acknowledge GBS as a “Table Injury” for influenza vaccines, meaning there is a presumption of causation if GBS develops within the specified timeframe after vaccination.

Statute of Limitations for Guillain-Barré Syndrome Lawsuits

For vaccine injury claims through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program:

• You must file within 3 years of the first symptom or manifestation of GBS
• For death cases, within 2 years of death and within 4 years of the first symptom

For lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers (in rare cases where such suits are permitted):

• Statutes vary by state, typically ranging from 1-3 years from injury discovery
• Some states have “discovery rules” that may extend the deadline if the connection between the vaccine and injury wasn’t immediately apparent

Consulting with a specialized vaccine injury attorney promptly is crucial to ensure your claim is filed within these strict timeframes.

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FAQs

1. Can a Flu Shot Cause Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Yes, although extremely rare, there is a known association between flu shots and the development of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The CDC acknowledges that GBS occurs at a rate of approximately 1-2 cases per million flu vaccine doses administered, typically within 6 weeks of vaccination.

2. What are the Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome After a Flu Shot?

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome often start with tingling and weakness in the legs that may rapidly progress upward, potentially causing paralysis. Patients typically experience symmetric muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing requiring ventilator support.

3. Can I Pursue Legal Action if I Develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome After a Flu Shot?

Yes, you can pursue legal action if you develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome after receiving a flu shot. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) provides a specific pathway for individuals to file a claim for compensation related to vaccine injuries.

4. Is HPV Vaccination Gardasil Also Linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

While less common than with flu vaccines, there have been reported cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome following HPV vaccination Gardasil. These cases are currently being investigated, and some lawsuits have been filed alleging this connection, though definitive causation remains under scientific scrutiny.

5. How Much Compensation Can I Receive for a Vaccine-Related GBS Case?

Compensation varies widely depending on severity of symptoms, permanence of injuries, and economic losses. Recent settlements have ranged from $250,000 to over $3 million. The VICP considers medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering when determining award amounts.

6. How Long Does the Legal Process Take for Vaccine Injury Claims?

The average VICP claim takes 2-3 years to resolve from filing to compensation. More complex cases involving severe or unusual presentations of GBS may take longer, particularly if expert testimony is contested or if the case must proceed through multiple appeals.

7. What Makes Schmidt & Clark Different from Other Law Firms?

Schmidt & Clark specializes in vaccine injury litigation with specific expertise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases. Our attorneys have successfully represented hundreds of vaccine injury victims nationwide and have established relationships with top medical experts in the field of neuroimmunology.

8. Can I File a Claim if My Family Member Died from GBS After Vaccination?

Yes, the estates of individuals who died due to vaccine-related Guillain-Barré Syndrome can file claims under the VICP. These claims must be filed within 2 years of death and no more than 4 years after the onset of first symptoms that led to death.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for vaccine-related Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program strictly enforces a 3-year statute of limitations from the onset of symptoms, with no exceptions for late filings.

Schmidt & Clark offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Representation by experienced vaccine injury attorneys
• Payment only if we secure compensation for you

Don’t delay seeking the compensation you deserve for vaccine-related injuries.

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