Dwight D. Donnewald, Jr. v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2024)

Susan Donnewald, as representative for her deceased husband Dwight D. Donnewald, Jr., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Mr. Donnewald received an influenza vaccination on October 9, 2019.

Petitioner alleged that Mr. Donnewald developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of the vaccine and subsequently died on April 8, 2020, from this vaccine-related injury.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr. Donnewald's GBS or his death.

Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle the case. The stipulation stated that the flu vaccine is on the Vaccine Injury Table.

Chief Special Master Corcoran adopted the stipulation as her decision, awarding a lump sum of $95,000.00 to the estate of Dwight D. Donnewald, Jr. for all items of damages.

The parties agreed that this stipulation represents a full and complete settlement of liability and damages, though it is not an admission by the government that the vaccine caused the injury or death.