Johnny Scott Garland v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On March 13, 2025, John Garland, Shannon Land, and Erin Albert filed a petition as administrators of the Estate of Johnny Scott Garland. They alleged that an influenza vaccine administered to Mr.
Garland on October 31, 2023 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome and that he experienced residual effects until his death on December 6, 2023. The public entitlement ruling does not state Mr.
Garland's exact age. Respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that Mr.
Garland's illness met the Vaccine Injury Table criteria for GBS because onset occurred within the 3-to-42-day period after vaccination and no apparent alternative cause was identified. The public ruling does not describe his first neurologic symptoms, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, treatment, or the circumstances of death.
On October 23, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran found that the estate was entitled to compensation. Damages had not yet been determined in the public text reviewed.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine October 31, 2023 allegedly causing Table GBS in adult decedent Johnny Scott Garland; death December 6, 2023. ENTITLEMENT GRANTED; damages pending. Petition by estate administrators John Garland, Shannon Land, and Erin Albert filed March 13, 2025. Respondent conceded GBS onset within 3-42 days and no apparent alternative cause. Public ruling lacks clinical timeline, diagnostics, treatment, and death details. CSM Corcoran October 23, 2025.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-00465