Joseph Wojtanowski v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2015)

Joseph Wojtanowski filed a petition on August 29, 2013, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on October 12, 2011. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects of the injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr. Wojtanowski's GBS or any other injury.

Despite this denial, the parties reached a joint stipulation for damages and attorneys' fees and costs. Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court.

The stipulation awarded Mr. Wojtanowski a lump sum of $72,500.00 for all damages.

Additionally, a lump sum of $20,862.24 was awarded jointly to Mr. Wojtanowski and his attorney, Joseph P.

Casale, for attorneys' fees and costs. This total award amounted to $93,362.24.

The parties agreed to this stipulation, and judgment was entered accordingly. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.