Anthony Irwin v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (“GBS”) (2017)

Anthony Irwin filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on March 28, 2017. He alleged that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) caused by his October 7, 2013 influenza vaccination.

Mr. Irwin further alleged that he experienced residual effects of his condition for more than six months and that there had been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu immunization caused petitioner's alleged GBS or any other injuries. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on March 28, 2017, agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Anthony Irwin was awarded a lump sum of $111,331.83, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The decision was based on this joint stipulation. Petitioner was represented by John Robert Howie, Jr. of Howie Law, PC, and respondent was represented by Daniel Anthony Principato of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.