Filed: Aug. 14, 2017
Latest Update: Aug. 14, 2017
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On February 17, 2016, Mary Sue Allen, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Ronald M. Allen, 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 claimed that Mr. Allen's death on October 23, 2015, was the sequela of Guillain-Barr Syndrome ("GBS") caused by the influenza ("flu") vaccine
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On February 17, 2016, Mary Sue Allen, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Ronald M. Allen, 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 claimed that Mr. Allen's death on October 23, 2015, was the sequela of Guillain-Barr Syndrome ("GBS") caused by the influenza ("flu") vaccine ..
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UNPUBLISHED
DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1
NORA BETH DORSEY, Chief Special Master.
On February 17, 2016, Mary Sue Allen, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Ronald M. Allen, 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 claimed that Mr. Allen's death on October 23, 2015, was the sequela of Guillain-Barré Syndrome ("GBS") caused by the influenza ("flu") vaccine he received on September 28, 2015. On January 13, 2017, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on the parties' joint stipulation. ECF No. 30.
On August 7, 2017, petitioner filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs. ECF No. 35. Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $62,110.00 and attorneys' costs in the amount of $10,372.68. Id. In accordance with General Order #9, petitioner's counsel represents that petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket expenses. Thus, the total amount requested is $72,482.68.
On August 10, 2017, respondent filed a response to petitioner's motion. ECF No. 36. 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.
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 $72,482.68,3 representing reimbursement for all attorneys' fees and costs, in the form of a check payable jointly to petitioner and petitioner's counsel, Leah V. Durant.
The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
