Elizabeth Gombeyski v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On December 9, 2021, Elizabeth Gombeyski filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 6, 2020 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). She alleged that the injury met the Vaccine Injury Table definition and caused residual effects lasting more than six months.
Ms. Gombeyski died while the case was pending.
On December 19, 2024, Marie Celeste Di Mascolo was substituted as administrator and legal representative of Ms. Gombeyski's estate.
The stipulation decision is careful about the scope of the claim: respondent denied that Ms. Gombeyski sustained a GBS Table injury, denied that the flu vaccine caused her GBS or residual effects, and denied that the flu vaccine caused any other injury or her death.
On March 5, 2026, the parties filed a joint stipulation resolving the case. Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and awarded a lump sum of $115,000.00, payable through petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. The award represented all damages available under Vaccine Act section 15(a).
The public decision does not include a detailed medical timeline or expert analysis.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine on October 6, 2020, allegedly causing Table GBS with residual effects >6 months; COMPENSATED by stipulation after Elizabeth Gombeyski died and Marie Celeste Di Mascolo was substituted as estate representative. Respondent denied Table GBS, denied vaccine causation, and denied vaccine caused any other injury or death. Award $115,000 lump sum for all section 15(a) damages. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran, petition filed December 9, 2021; decision March 5, 2026. Attorney: Jonathan Joseph Svitak, Shannon Law Group, Woodridge IL.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-02274