Filed: Aug. 07, 2017
Latest Update: Aug. 07, 2017
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On May 27, 2016, Sharon G. Ortagus ("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 alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") as a result of receiving an influenza ("flu") vaccine on October 13, 2015. On February 7, 2017, the und
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On May 27, 2016, Sharon G. Ortagus ("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 alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") as a result of receiving an influenza ("flu") vaccine on October 13, 2015. On February 7, 2017, the unde..
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UNPUBLISHED
DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1
NORA BETH DORSEY, Chief Special Master.
On May 27, 2016, Sharon G. Ortagus ("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 alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") as a result of receiving an influenza ("flu") vaccine on October 13, 2015. On February 7, 2017, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on respondent's proffer. (ECF No. 31).
On July 27, 2017, petitioner filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs. (ECF No. 35). Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $22,835.00, and attorneys' costs in the amount of $670.78, for a total amount of $23,505.78. Id. at 1. In compliance with General Order #9, petitioner filed a signed statement indicating petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket expenses.
On July 27, 2017, respondent filed a response to petitioner's motion. (ECF No. 36). In his response, 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 the total of $23,505.78,3 as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable 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.
