Cynthia Lyles v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On September 1, 2023, Cynthia Lyles filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on October 10, 2022 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report.
The concession stated that Ms. Lyles satisfied the Vaccine Injury Table criteria for GBS after a seasonal flu vaccination, giving her a presumption of causation.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement on November 4, 2024.
The public entitlement and damages decisions do not describe the onset of weakness or sensory symptoms, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, treatment, rehabilitation, or residual neurologic deficits. On March 10, 2025, the Chief Special Master awarded $211,423.59 as a lump sum payable to Ms.
Lyles. The award consisted of $190,000.00 for pain and suffering, $6,039.00 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $15,384.59 for past lost wages.
The proffer identified Ms. Lyles as a competent adult.
A later September 18, 2025 decision addressed attorneys' fees and costs only.
Theory of causation
Adult petitioner; influenza vaccine October 10, 2022; Table GBS. COMPENSATED. Respondent conceded Table criteria and legal prerequisites; public text lacks detailed clinical course. Entitlement November 4, 2024; damages March 10, 2025. Award $211,423.59 = $190,000.00 pain/suffering + $6,039.00 expenses + $15,384.59 lost wages. SM Corcoran. Petition filed September 1, 2023.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01514