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Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious neurological condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerve cells.
GBS has been associated with certain vaccinations and is recognized under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), a federal program that provides financial compensation to individuals who have suffered from specific vaccine-related conditions.
If you or a loved one developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome following a vaccination, you may have the right to pursue a claim through the VICP and recover compensation for medical care, lost income, and other related damages. At mctlaw, we have more than two and a half decades of experience helping individuals and families navigate this unique federal program. Our team understands the medical and legal complexities involved in GBS claims and is committed to guiding clients through every step of the process.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, disrupting the way the body communicates with its muscles. It is commonly classified as a form of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), meaning it involves inflammation and damage to the protective covering of the nerves. As this damage progresses, it can interfere with normal nerve signaling and lead to a range of physical symptoms.
GBS often begins with mild, early signs that can worsen over the course of days or weeks. The symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome may vary from person to person, but commonly include:
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations, often starting in the legs or feet
- Muscle weakness that may spread to the arms and upper body
- Difficulty with walking, balance, or coordination
- Trouble with facial movements, speaking, or swallowing
- In more severe cases, partial or complete paralysis
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek prompt evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
In some cases, GBS may be confused with or evolve into a related but distinct condition known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), which involves longer-term or recurring symptoms and may require ongoing treatment.
IMPORTANT: This information does NOT apply to injuries from the COVID-19 vaccine.
Do Vaccines Cause GBS?
Studies have found that vaccines can, in rare cases, trigger GBS. The most widely studied connection is with the influenza or flu vaccine, where research shows about 1 or 2 additional cases of GBS per million doses.
Other vaccines have also been linked to GBS, including:
- Tetanus, Tdap, or DtaP
- HPV Vaccine
- Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal (MCV4) Vaccine
What To Do if You Get Guillain-Barré Syndrome from a Vaccine Reaction
If you develop GBS following a vaccination, you may be eligible to file a VICP claim. This federal program provides compensation to individuals who have suffered from certain vaccine-related injuries. This compensation may cover the cost of medical expenses, lost income, and other losses resulting from the condition.
However, VICP claims are complex, and eligibility depends on more than just having a GBS diagnosis. Factors such as timing, medical history, and documentation all play a critical role in determining whether a claim can succeed.
To prepare for a potential claim, you should gather the following information:
- Your vaccine records showing the type and date of the vaccine received
- Medical records documenting your initial symptoms and diagnosis
- Any additional medical documentation related to treatment or hospitalizations
Did You Get GBS After a Vaccine?
There is a time limit to file a claim, so don’t wait.
We may be able to help if you got GBS from a vaccination.
How Our Experienced Vaccine Injury Attorneys Can Help
Since 1999, mctlaw has represented hundreds of patients across the United States who have suffered from vaccine-related GBS, and we have recovered more than $87 million for clients in GBS cases. If you were diagnosed with GBS after a flu shot or other vaccination, we can help you determine whether you are eligible to file a VICP claim and guide you through the process.
While you are not required to hire an attorney, doing so comes at no financial cost to you, because the VICP covers all of your legal fees. In addition, vaccine injury claims can take years to resolve. While an attorney cannot make the process move faster, having experienced legal guidance can help ensure your case stays on track, deadlines are met, and all documentation is complete.
What an attorney will do in your cases so you don’t have to:
- Gathering Medical Records – You need complete records showing your GBS diagnosis, treatments, hospitalizations, and recovery. Missing or incomplete records can delay or even prevent a claim from moving forward.
- Obtaining Vaccine Documentation – Proof of the vaccine, including the type, manufacturer, and date administered, is required to establish the connection.
- Completing the Petition – The VICP requires a formal petition submitted to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This must include medical evidence, vaccination records, and other supporting documentation.
- Responding to Requests and Reviews – After filing, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reviews the claim. They may request additional medical records, expert opinions, or clarifications, which can be confusing without guidance.
- Navigating Complex Rules – The program has strict deadlines, evidentiary requirements, and procedural rules that differ from regular personal injury claims.
Our attorneys can guide you through each step, increasing the likelihood of a smooth process and fair consideration.
It is important to note that vaccine injury cases are NOT simple personal injury cases. Very few attorneys are able to practice law before the Federal Vaccine Court. That’s why you should hire a law firm with extensive experience in vaccine claims, like mctlaw.
We’ve Won More than $85 Million in GBS Vaccine Injury Awards for our Clients
See Our Vaccine Injury Case ResultsOur Guillaín-Barre Syndrome Case Result Amounts
| Amount | Vaccine | Link to Court Decision | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| $128,565.79 | Flu | Case 23-2156V | 1/27/26 |
| $235,000.00 | Flu | Case 23-1065V | 12/12/25 |
| $178,086.98 | Flu | Case 24-1901V | 12/5/25 |
| $173,243.09 | Flu | Case 24-2080V | 12/3/25 |
Explore Past Client Stories and Vaccine Compensation Results
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Types of Guillain-Barré Variations
There are different variants of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Some of the most common are:
Did You Get GBS After a Vaccine? Contact mctlaw Today
Guillain-Barré Syndrome caused by a vaccine is rare, but when it does occur, it can be life-changing. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program exists to provide financial support for those affected, but filing a claim is complex and requires careful documentation and navigation of federal rules.
With more than 25 years of experience handling vaccine injury cases, mctlaw understands the medical and legal challenges involved. We can guide you through every step of the VICP process and help ensure your claim is submitted accurately.
Contact us today for a free consultation to see if you may be eligible for compensation.
Anne Carrión Toale, Esq. is a vaccine injury attorney at mctlaw. Anne helps vaccine injury clients get compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) before the Vaccine Court in the United States Court of Federal Claims. Ms. Toale has served as past president of the Vaccine Injured Petitioners Bar Association, where she provided education and assistance to other attorneys throughout the United States practicing in the area of vaccine injury compensation.
