Filed: May 30, 2019
Latest Update: May 30, 2019
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On March 8, 2017, 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 he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of his October 7, 2015 influenza ("flu") vaccination. Petition at 1. On February 13, 2019, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensa
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On March 8, 2017, 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 he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of his October 7, 2015 influenza ("flu") vaccination. Petition at 1. On February 13, 2019, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensat..
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UNPUBLISHED
DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1
NORA BETH DORSEY, Chief Special Master.
On March 8, 2017, 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 he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of his October 7, 2015 influenza ("flu") vaccination. Petition at 1. On February 13, 2019, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on the parties' stipulation. ECF No. 62.
On May 8, 2019, petitioner filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs. ECF No. 67. Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $21,060.30 and attorneys' costs in the amount of $1,096.46. Id. at 1. In compliance with General Order #9, petitioner filed a signed statement indicating that petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket expenses. ECF No. 67-1. Thus, the total amount requested is $22,156.76.
On May 22, 2019, respondent filed a response to petitioner's motion. ECF No. 68. Respondent argues that "[n]either the Vaccine Act nor Vaccine Rule 13 contemplates any role for respondent in the resolution of a request by a petitioner for an award of attorneys' fees and costs." Id. at 1. Respondent adds, however, that he "is satisfied the statutory requirements for an award of attorneys' fees and costs are met in this case." Id. at 2. Respondent "respectfully recommends that the Chief Special Master exercise her discretion and determine a reasonable award for attorneys' fees and costs." Id. at 3.
On May 28, 2019, petitioner filed a reply. ECF No. 69. "Petitioner concurs with Respondent's recommendation that Special Master Dorsey exercise her discretion and determine a reasonable award for attorney's fees and costs in this case." Id.
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 $22,156.763 as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to petitioner and petitioner's counsel Ward Black Law.
The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
