Dora D. Loiacono v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On September 29, 2023, Dora D. Loiacono filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on October 17, 2020 caused Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit. Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found Ms. Loiacono entitled to compensation for GBS on November 15, 2024.
Damages were resolved through respondent's proffer, which Ms. Loiacono accepted.
The proffer described significant ongoing care needs and recommended both a first-year lump sum and future annuity-funded life-care payments. On July 14, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded a lump sum of $311,320.48, consisting of $67,526.02 for first-year life-care expenses, $240,000.00 for pain and suffering, and $3,794.46 for past unreimbursed expenses.
He also awarded an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity for future life-care items, including recurring medical care, medications, mobility equipment, care management, and homemaker/home-health-aide services.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine on October 17, 2020, causing GBS; COMPENSATED. Entitlement granted November 15, 2024. Award included $311,320.48 lump sum ($67,526.02 first-year life-care expenses + $240,000 pain/suffering + $3,794.46 unreimbursed expenses) plus an amount sufficient to purchase a future life-care annuity. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran, petition filed September 29, 2023; damages July 14, 2025. Attorney: Joseph L. Ciaccio, Napoli Shkolnik.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01693