James Bland, III v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On December 18, 2024, James Bland, III filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on January 28, 2022 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report, agreeing that Mr.
Bland's GBS developed within the Table timeframe after influenza vaccination. The proffer also noted that Mr.
Bland received COVID-19 vaccinations on February 1 and February 22, 2022, but respondent nonetheless treated the flu/GBS claim as appropriate for compensation. The public documents do not describe the first neurologic symptoms, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, IVIG or plasma exchange, rehabilitation, or residual deficits.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement on July 9, 2025.
On December 3, 2025, he awarded Mr. Bland $172,500.00 for pain and suffering and $743.09 in unreimbursed expenses, for a total lump sum of $173,243.09.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine January 28, 2022 causing Table GBS; adult, exact age not stated. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED. COVID-19 vaccines were also received February 1 and February 22, 2022, but respondent conceded the flu/GBS Table claim. Public documents lack neurologic chronology. Award $172,500 pain/suffering + $743.09 expenses = $173,243.09. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition December 18, 2024; entitlement July 9, 2025; damages December 3, 2025.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-02080