Robert L Pirrello v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Sydrome (GBS) (2015)

Robert L. Pirrello filed a petition on June 20, 2013, alleging that an influenza (flu) vaccination he received on or about September 14, 2011 caused him to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and that he experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury. Nonetheless, both parties agreed to a joint stipulation filed December 19, 2014 to settle the case.

Special Master Gowen found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Petitioner received a lump sum of $550,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

The parties subsequently agreed to attorneys' fees and costs of $21,000.00, payable jointly to petitioner and his counsel, Diana Stadelnikas Sedar of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA. Petitioner had not personally incurred any out-of-pocket litigation expenses.