UNPUBLISHED

DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1

NORA BETH DORSEY, Chief Special Master.

On March 6, 2018, Ronni Cook ("petitioner") filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,2 (the "Vaccine Act"). Petitioner alleges that she suffered left shoulder injuries as a result of an influenza ("flu") vaccine she received on September 9, 2015. Petition at 1. On May 7, 2019, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on the parties' stipulation. ECF No. 27.

On May 22, 2019, petitioner filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs. ECF No. 31. Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $7,812.70 and attorneys' costs in the amount of $786.45. Id. at 2. In accordance with General Order #9, petitioner's counsel represents that petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket expenses. Id. at 2. Thus, the total amount requested is $8,599.15.

On May 24, 2019, respondent filed a response to petitioner's motion. ECF No. 33. "Respondent's lack of objection to the amount sought in this case should not be construed as admission, concession, or waiver as to the hourly rates requested, the number of hours billed, or the other litigation costs." Id. at 1.

Petitioner filed no reply.

The undersigned has reviewed the billing records submitted with petitioner's request. In the undersigned's experience, the request appears reasonable, and the undersigned finds no cause to reduce the requested hours or rates.

The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. § 15(e). Based on the reasonableness of petitioner's request, the undersigned GRANTS petitioner's motion for attorneys' fees and costs.

Accordingly, the undersigned awards the total of $8,599.153 as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to petitioner and petitioner's counsel Bridget Candace McCullough.

The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.4

IT IS SO ORDERED.