David Farnsworth v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2015)

David Farnsworth filed a petition on September 23, 2013, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on November 10, 2011, caused him to suffer a demyelinating injury. Although the initial petition did not specifically name Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), Mr.

Farnsworth ultimately proceeded on that theory. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr.

Farnsworth's GBS or any other injury or disability. On August 14, 2015, both parties filed a joint stipulation to settle the case.

Special Master Lisa Hamilton-Fieldman reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court. As part of the stipulation, Mr.

Farnsworth was awarded a lump sum of $280,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner was represented by Danielle Anne Strait of Maglio, Christopher and Toale, PA, and Respondent was represented by Claudia Barnes Gangi of the United States Department of Justice.

The decision was issued on August 17, 2015.