Billy J. Martin v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2026)

Melvin J. Martin filed a petition on September 25, 2023, as administrator of the estate of Billy J.

Martin. The petition alleged that Billy Martin developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 7, 2020, and that the effects of that illness lasted for more than six months.

The record also states that Billy Martin died on August 2, 2022. Petitioner did not allege that the death was caused by the influenza vaccine, and respondent denied that the vaccine caused either Guillain-Barre syndrome or Mr.

Martin's death. The public stipulation does not provide a detailed clinical history of Mr.

Martin's Guillain-Barre syndrome. It records the vaccine, alleged injury, death date, respondent's denials, and the parties' agreement to resolve the claim on behalf of the estate.

Chief Special Master Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it on March 16, 2026. The estate was awarded $175,000.00 as compensation for all damages available under section 15(a).

Payment was directed through counsel's IOLTA account to the legal representative of the estate, with the stipulation noting that petitioner must be or become legally authorized under Texas law before payment. Petitioner was represented by Nancy R.

Meyers of Turning Point Litigation in Greensboro, North Carolina.