Louis A. Caputo v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome [GBS] (2015)

Louis A. Caputo filed a petition on February 25, 2015, alleging that he suffered from Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 29, 2012, and experienced residual effects for more than six months.

Respondent denied that petitioner suffered GBS or any injury caused by the vaccination, and denied residual effects for more than six months. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation for compensation.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation, awarding petitioner $225,000.00 for all damages.

Subsequently, the parties filed a stipulation for attorneys' fees and costs. Special Master Gowen awarded $19,648.35, payable jointly to petitioner and his counsel, Lawrence Michel.

The total compensation awarded was $244,648.35. The public decision does not describe the onset, specific symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.

Petitioner was represented by Lawrence Michel, Esq., and respondent was represented by Heather Pearlman, Esq.