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Norris v. Secretary of Health and Human Services, 15-686V. (2016)

Court: United States Court of Federal Claims Number: infdco20160509813 Visitors: 6
Filed: Feb. 12, 2016
Latest Update: Feb. 12, 2016
Summary: DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On July 1, 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" or "Program"]. Petitioner alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") resulting from the influenza vaccination she received on October 6, 2014. Petition at 11. On December 18, 2015, the undersig
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DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1

On July 1, 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" or "Program"]. Petitioner alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") resulting from the influenza vaccination she received on October 6, 2014. Petition at 11. On December 18, 2015, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on respondent's proffer.

On February 11, 2016, the parties filed a Stipulation of Fact Concerning Attorneys' Fees and Costs. According to the stipulation, the parties stipulate to an award to petitioner of attorneys' fees and costs in the amount of $14,287.17. In accordance with General Order #9, petitioner's counsel represented that petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket expenses. Stipulation, filed Feb. 11, 2016, at ¶ 4.

The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. 42 U.S.C. § 300 aa-15(e). Based on the reasonableness of petitioner's request and the lack of any objection by respondent, the undersigned grants the request for approval and payment of attorneys' fees and costs.

Accordingly, the undersigned awards the total of $ 14,287.17,3 as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to petitioner and petitioner's counsel, Andrew Downing.

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

IT IS SO ORDERED.

FootNotes


1. Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I intend to post this decision on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, § 205, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2006)). In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), petitioners have 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access.
2. National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all "§" references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2012).
3. This amount is intended to cover all legal expenses incurred in this matter. This award encompasses all charges by the attorney against a client, "advanced costs" as well as fees for legal services rendered. Furthermore, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(e)(3) prevents an attorney from charging or collecting fees (including costs) that would be in addition to the amount awarded herein. See generally Beck v. Sec'y, HHS, 924 F.2d 1029 (Fed. Cir.1991).
4. Entry of judgment can be expedited by each party's filing of a notice renouncing the right to seek review. See Vaccine Rule 11(a).
Source:  Leagle

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