Louis Danni v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2015)

Louis Danni filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on January 20, 2015. He alleged that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on September 11, 2014, and that he experienced residual effects of GBS for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury, and denied that his current disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Despite the respondent's denial, the parties reached a settlement.

On July 2, 2015, they filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle the case. Chief Special Master Denise Kathryn Vowell adopted the parties' stipulation.

The respondent agreed to pay petitioner a lump sum of $145,000.00 for all damages. Separately, on July 6, 2015, the parties filed a stipulation concerning attorneys' fees and costs.

Chief Special Master Vowell awarded $18,621.25, payable jointly to Louis Danni and his counsel, Matthew F. Belanger of Faraci Lange, LLP.

The total compensation awarded was $163,621.25. Linda S.

Renzi of the U.S. Department of Justice represented the respondent.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the medical experts consulted.