Wayne Bielski v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and vaccine-related death (2025)

On October 30, 2024, Carol Bielski filed a petition as personal representative of the Estate of Wayne Bielski, her deceased spouse. She alleged that Mr.

Bielski suffered Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) after receiving an influenza vaccination on November 6, 2021, and that his death on December 16, 2022 was related to the vaccine-caused GBS. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

On August 5, 2025, respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding entitlement. The concession stated that medical personnel at the Division of Injury Compensation Programs reviewed the petition and medical records and concluded that the claim satisfied the Vaccine Injury Table and Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation for influenza vaccine-associated GBS: onset between three and forty-two days after seasonal flu vaccination, with no apparent alternative cause.

Respondent also conceded that Mr. Bielski's death was related to his GBS.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on August 6, 2025.

The parties then submitted a joint stipulation on damages on December 16, 2025. On December 18, 2025, the chief special master adopted the stipulation and awarded compensation.

The award was a lump-sum payment of $470,000.00, to be paid through petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to the estate. The amount represented all damages available under Vaccine Act section 15(a).

Carol Bielski was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC in Washington, D.C.