A Nevada man who suffered a rare but severe reaction to a flu vaccine has been awarded a $3 million settlement by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
Weeks after receiving a flu vaccination, Jeffrey Pierce went to the hospital with complaints of weakness and numbness as well as nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and vertigo. He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an incurable disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system. GBS causes varying degrees of paralysis in the arms and legs.
Despite rigorous therapy, Pierce’s condition worsened, and he became unable to walk and suffered from pain, tremors, decreased endurance, and other issues. He continues to experience pain and severe weakness in his extremities and now requires a walker.
The settlement will compensate Mr. Pierce for medical treatment, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. He will receive an initial lump sump of $1,173,515 plus annuity payments for future medical care.
“We are ecstatic about the settlement for Mr. Pierce and his family. He was enjoying a successful career and was providing for his family before his vaccine-injury derailed his life,” said an Anapol Weiss attorney, who represented Pierce. “However, with this settlement, we are optimistic that Mr. Pierce can wipe out his medical bills, get the necessary medical care for his GBS, and still have enough financial stability for him and his family.”
Despite Mr. Pierce’s reaction, the attorneys at Anapol Weiss remind people that vaccines are essential to public health. “It’s important to remember that vaccines are critical to eradicating disease in our society. Injuries related to vaccines, such as the one Mr. Pierce experienced, are extremely rare and therefore we encourage everyone to become educated and follow your doctor’s advice.”
