Havana Syndrome

Howie, Sacks & Henry has partnered with law firm Waddell Phillips to represent the Canadian Diplomats who have suffered mysterious injuries known as Havana Syndrome while representing Canada in Cuba.

The diplomats have been diagnosed with “Havana syndrome,” which neurologists say is medically similar to a concussion but without physical trauma, and which some U.S. researchers have speculated may have been the result of some sort of energy weapon.

Symptoms include dizziness, nosebleeds, headache, nausea and confusion. The diplomats are seeking $28-million from the federal government, alleging Ottawa failed to properly address mysterious brain injuries they sustained while representing Canada in Cuba.

This lawsuit is of particular interest as diplomats rarely sue their current employers.

International Coverage

HSH Partner Paul Miller, representing these individuals, has been interviewed by various international news outlets.

I think it became, ‘We are fed up. We don’t think we’re being treated properly and we’re going to take this as our only alternative.’ We’ve got some people who may not work again.

1. The youngest victims of “Havana Syndrome”, 60 Minutes Overtime (CBS News), February 20, 2022
2. ‘Havana Syndrome’: Canada cautions diplomats about mysterious illness symptoms, Global News, January 23, 2022
3. Canadian diplomats say their government is withholding info on more ‘Havana Syndrome’ brain injury cases, NBC News, April 28, 2021
4. Canadian officials not disclosing ‘at least 3’ new Havana syndrome cases: letter, Global News, April 27, 2021
5. Havana syndrome caused by ‘targeted action,’ U.S. State Department says in report, Global News, February 19 2021
6. ‘They need to take this seriously’: Diplomats urge action after Havana syndrome report, Global News, December 8, 2020
7. Paul Miller interviewed on 580 CFRA Radio, 580 CFRA Radio, December 7, 2020
8. Paul Miller interviewed on CTV News, CTV News, December 6, 2020
9. Report says U.S. diplomats likely targeted in energy attack, unsure about Canadians, CTV News, December 5. 2020
10. “Havana Syndrome: Investigating what made the diplomats sick” The Fifth Estate, CBC, October 6, 2019
11. “‘Havana Syndrome’ Canadian diplomats who worked in Cuba suing for $28M,” The Larry Fedoruk Show, 610 CKTB, February 7, 2019.
12. “ESS – Diplomats affected by ‘Havana syndrome’ suing the feds,” The Evan Solomon Show, 580 CFRA, February 7, 2019.
13. “Five Canadian diplomats sue Canadian government for handling of Cuba mystery illness,” The Washington Post, February 6, 2019,
14. “Canadian Diplomats Sue Their Government Over Mysterious Cuban Disease,” The New York Times, February 7, 2019.
15. “Diplomats launch suit alleging Ottawa failed to address mysterious ‘Havana syndrome’ brain injuries,” The Globe and Mail, February 6, 2019.
16. “Opposition calls for emergency meeting to probe allegations,” CTV Power Play, February 7, 2019.
17. “Canadian diplomats posted to Cuba suing government for $28M,” CTV National News, February 6, 2019
18. “Canadian diplomats suing government over ‘Havana syndrome’”, BBC World Service Newshour Radio Segment, February 7, 2019.
19. “Diplomats sue Canada government over mystery illness in Cuba,” BBC News, February 7, 2019.