Michael O’Leary v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2015)

Michael O’Leary filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on August 14, 2014, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 26, 2011. The residual effects of his alleged GBS lasted more than six months.

Respondent denied that the influenza vaccination caused petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury or any other injury. Nevertheless, the parties reached a settlement agreement.

Respondent agreed to pay petitioner a lump sum of $140,000.00 for all damages and an additional $21,500.00 for attorneys’ fees and costs. Petitioner’s counsel, Lawrence R.

Cohen of Anapol Schwartz, indicated that petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Chief Special Master Denise Kathryn Vowell adopted the parties’ stipulation and awarded compensation in the agreed-upon amount.

The decision was issued on May 12, 2015.