Paul E. Saliba v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On March 8, 2022, Paul E. Saliba filed a petition alleging that a Tdap vaccination caused Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
He later identified four potential vaccination dates, and the parties explored settlement for more than a year before reaching an impasse. Respondent recommended against compensation after reviewing additional medical records.
Mr. Saliba then filed an expert report from Dr.
Heller, who proposed molecular mimicry as a mechanism connecting the vaccine to GBS. Respondent challenged that theory through reports from Dr.
Merkle and Dr. He.
The public decision states that Dr. He challenged many aspects of Dr.
Heller's opinion, and that Dr. Heller's response did not supply additional detail beyond describing a conceptual possibility of an external immune trigger causing an autoimmune response.
On March 23, 2026, Mr. Saliba moved for a decision dismissing his petition.
Special Master Christian J. Moran construed the request as a motion for dismissal with judgment against petitioner and denied compensation on March 31, 2026.
No vaccine-injury award was made.
Theory of causation
Tdap vaccine, alleged date ultimately tied to March 18, 2019 in curated row/source record, allegedly causing GBS; DISMISSED/DENIED. Petitioner expert Dr. Heller proposed molecular mimicry. Respondent experts Dr. Merkle and Dr. He challenged the opinion; Dr. He disputed multiple aspects and Dr. Heller's response did not add detail beyond conceptual immune-trigger causation. No compensation. SM Christian J. Moran, petition filed March 8, 2022; dismissal March 31, 2026. Attorney: Robin J. Marzella.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00257