Filed: May 30, 2018
Latest Update: May 30, 2018
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On March 2, 2015, 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 suffers Guillain-Barre Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of his December 27, 2012 influenza ("flu") vaccination. Petition at 1. On January 31, 2018, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensat
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On March 2, 2015, 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 suffers Guillain-Barre Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of his December 27, 2012 influenza ("flu") vaccination. Petition at 1. On January 31, 2018, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensati..
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UNPUBLISHED
DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1
NORA BETH DORSEY, Chief Special Master.
On March 2, 2015, 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 suffers Guillain-Barre Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of his December 27, 2012 influenza ("flu") vaccination. Petition at 1. On January 31, 2018, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on the parties' stipulation. (ECF No. 71).
On May 9, 2018, petitioner filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs. (ECF No. 76). Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $50,043.10 and attorneys' costs in the amount of $10,134.10. Id. at 1-2. Additionally, in accordance with General Order #9, petitioner's counsel represented that petitioner incurred $400.00 in out-of-pocket expenses. Id. at 2. Thus, the total amount requested is $60,577.20.
On May 21, 2018, respondent filed a response to petitioner's motion. (ECF No. 78). 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.
Petitioner has 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 $60,577.203 as follows:
• A lump sum of $60,177.20, representing reimbursement for attorneys' fees and costs, in the form of a check payable jointly to petitioner and petitioner's counsel, Ronald Craig Homer; and
• A lump sum of $400.00, representing reimbursement for petitioner's costs, in the form of a check payable to petitioner.
The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
