Henry Ricci v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2025)

On March 29, 2022, Henry Ricci filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination he received on November 20, 2020 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. He was 58 years old, self-employed as a certified public accountant, and had a history that included obesity, a bicep tendon rupture, and right rotator cuff repair.

Thirteen days after vaccination, on December 3, 2020, Mr. Ricci went to the emergency room with tingling in his hands and feet and difficulty walking.

He had decreased reflexes, ataxia, and paresthesias in his arms and legs. He was hospitalized, treated initially with steroids, and underwent imaging, lumbar puncture, and EMG testing.

The lumbar puncture and EMG confirmed GBS, and he received a five-day IVIG course with improvement. He then transferred to Encompass for inpatient rehabilitation, where he received intensive PT and OT, and later had home-health services.

Mr. Ricci described the lumbar puncture as extremely painful and requiring nine attempts.

After returning home, he still had pain, speech difficulty, facial weakness, tingling, and difficulty with daily tasks; he was out of work for about a month. By later follow-up, most symptoms had improved, but he continued to report tingling in fingers and toes, eye tearing/blurriness, and some pain.

Respondent conceded entitlement, and damages were litigated. Petitioner sought $185,000 for pain and suffering; respondent proposed no more than $85,000.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found Mr.

Ricci's acute course serious and frightening, but more moderate than higher-award GBS cases because he improved substantially and required limited outpatient therapy. On August 26, 2025, he awarded $142,344.98: $140,000 for past pain and suffering, $268.78 for unreimbursed expenses, and $2,076.20 for lost wages.