Filed: Oct. 11, 2017
Latest Update: Oct. 11, 2017
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On February 10, 2017, 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") following her October 3, 2015 influenza ("flu") vaccination. On August 28, 2017, the undersigned issued a decision award
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On February 10, 2017, 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") following her October 3, 2015 influenza ("flu") vaccination. On August 28, 2017, the undersigned issued a decision awardi..
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UNPUBLISHED
DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1
NORA BETH DORSEY, Chief Special Master.
On February 10, 2017, 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") following her October 3, 2015 influenza ("flu") vaccination. On August 28, 2017, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on respondent's proffer. (ECF No. 18.)
On September 27, 2017, petitioner filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs. (ECF No. 22.) Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $6,130.00 and attorneys' costs in the amount of $948.78. (ECF No. 22-2 at 2.) In accordance with General Order #9, petitioner's counsel represents that petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket expenses. Thus, the total amount requested is $7,078.78.
On September 28, 2017, respondent filed a response stating respondent has no objection to petitioner's motion. (ECF No. 23.) Respondent cautions, however, that his lack of objection "should not be construed as admission, concession, or waiver as to the hourly rates requested, the number of hours billed, or the other litigation related costs." Id.
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 and the lack of opposition from respondent, the undersigned GRANTS petitioner's motion for attorneys' fees and costs.
Accordingly, the undersigned awards the total of $7,078.783 as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to petitioner and petitioner's counsel Mary Coffey, Esq.
The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
