Filed: Apr. 05, 2018
Latest Update: Apr. 05, 2018
Summary: DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On October 27, 2016, 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 alleges that he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") following an influenza ("flu") vaccination on September 15, 2015. Petition at 1. On September 15, 2017, the undersigned issued a decisi
Summary: DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 NORA BETH DORSEY , Chief Special Master . On October 27, 2016, 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 alleges that he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") following an influenza ("flu") vaccination on September 15, 2015. Petition at 1. On September 15, 2017, the undersigned issued a decisio..
More
DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1
NORA BETH DORSEY, Chief Special Master.
On October 27, 2016, 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 alleges that he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") following an influenza ("flu") vaccination on September 15, 2015. Petition at 1. On September 15, 2017, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on the parties' stipulation. (ECF No. 30).
On March 21, 2018, petitioner filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs. (ECF No. 34). Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $21,574.50 and attorneys' costs in the amount of $1,564.19. (Id. at 1.). In accordance with General Order #9, petitioner's counsel filed a signed statement indicating that petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket expenses. (Id. at 1). Thus, the total amount requested is $23,138.69.
On April 3, 2018, respondent filed a response to petitioner's motion. (ECF No. 35). 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).
On April 4, 2018, petitioner filed a reply. (ECF No. 36). Petitioner requests that the undersigned award the amount of attorneys' fees and costs sought.
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 $23,138.693 as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to petitioner and petitioner's counsel Leah VaSahnja Durant.
The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
