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Schorel v. Secretary of Health and Human Services, 15-0021V. (2016)

Court: United States Court of Federal Claims Number: infdco20160511a24 Visitors: 3
Filed: Mar. 02, 2016
Latest Update: Mar. 02, 2016
Summary: DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On January 8, 2015, Linda Schorel ("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 Guillain-Barr syndrome ("GBS") as a result of an influenza ("flu") vaccine she received on October 24, 2013. On December 2, 2015, the undersigned issued a decision a
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DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1

On January 8, 2015, Linda Schorel ("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 Guillain-Barré syndrome ("GBS") as a result of an influenza ("flu") vaccine she received on October 24, 2013. On December 2, 2015, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on the parties' joint stipulation.

On February 18, 2016, petitioner filed an unopposed motion for attorneys' fees and costs. Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Costs ("Motion").3 Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $17,360.80 and attorneys' costs in the amount of $1,385.23 for a total amount of $18,746.03. Id. at ¶ 2. In compliance with General Order #9, petitioner has filed a signed statement indicating petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket expenses.

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 opposition from respondent, the undersigned GRANTS petitioner's application for attorneys' fees and costs.4

Accordingly, the undersigned awards the total of $18,746.035 as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to petitioner and petitioner's counsel Diana L. Stadelnikas Sedar.6

The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.7

IT IS SO ORDERED.

FootNotes


1. Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the undersigned intends to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), petitioner has 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, the undersigned agrees that the identified material fits within this definition, the undersigned 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. In the motion, petitioner states that respondent has no objection to petitioner's request. Motion at ¶ 3.
4. The undersigned is granting petitioner's motion based on the reasonableness of the overall amount sought for attorneys' fees and costs given the circumstances in this case. This decision should not be interpreted as an acceptance of the reasonableness of either the hourly rate or amount of hours billed in this case. In other cases, the undersigned may reduce either the hourly rate requested or the amount of hours billed.
5. 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).
6. Per petitioner's request, the award for attorney's fees and costs should be forwarded to Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, 1605 Main Street, Suite 710, Sarasota, FL 34236.
7. Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties' joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review.
Source:  Leagle
Lawyers who claimed
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Citations
15-0021V.
Counsels
  • Diana Stadelnikas Sedar
  • Christine Mary Becer
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