Joseph Petruzzi v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2026)

On March 5, 2020, Joseph Petruzzi filed a petition alleging that he developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving an influenza vaccine on January 5, 2018. Mr.

Petruzzi died on December 20, 2024, while the case was pending. Dorothy Petruzzi, administratrix of his estate, was substituted as petitioner in September 2025.

Respondent denied that Mr. Petruzzi had established Table GBS, denied that the flu vaccine caused GBS or his death, and denied that his condition was a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.

The public stipulation does not describe his GBS onset date, hospitalization, neurologic testing, treatment, rehabilitation, residual impairments, or circumstances of death. On January 30, 2026, Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded the estate a lump sum of $15,000.00 for all damages available under the Vaccine Act. Payment was directed through counsel's IOLTA account.

The estate was represented by Lawrence R. Cohan of Saltz Mongeluzzi & Bendesky, P.C.