Filed: Oct. 11, 2019
Latest Update: Oct. 11, 2019
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 BRIAN H. CORCORAN , Chief Special Master . On November 21, 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 alleges that she developed Guillain-Barr Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of an influenza ("flu") vaccination administered on September 16, 2016. Petition at 1, 3. On September 19, 2019, a decision was issued b
Summary: UNPUBLISHED DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS 1 BRIAN H. CORCORAN , Chief Special Master . On November 21, 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 alleges that she developed Guillain-Barr Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of an influenza ("flu") vaccination administered on September 16, 2016. Petition at 1, 3. On September 19, 2019, a decision was issued by..
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UNPUBLISHED
DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1
BRIAN H. CORCORAN, Chief Special Master.
On November 21, 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 alleges that she developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome ("GBS") as a result of an influenza ("flu") vaccination administered on September 16, 2016. Petition at 1, 3. On September 19, 2019, a decision was issued by then Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey, awarding compensation to petitioner based on the parties' stipulation. ECF No. 47.
On September 27, 2019, petitioner filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs. ECF No. 51. Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $43,628.20 and attorneys' costs in the amount of $1,517.73. Id. at 1-2. Additionally, in compliance with General Order #9, petitioner filed a signed statement indicating that petitioner incurred $125.34 in out-of-pocket expenses. Thus, the total amount requested is $45,271.27.
On September 30, 2019, respondent filed a response to petitioner's motion. ECF No. 52. Respondent argues that "[n]either the Vaccine Act nor Vaccine Rule 13 requires respondent to file a response to 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 requests that the Court exercise its discretion and determine a reasonable award for attorneys' fees and costs." Id. at 3.
On September 30, 2019, petitioner filed a reply. ECF No. 53. Petitioner disputes respondent's position that he has no role in resolving attorneys' fees and costs and further reiterates his view that his attorneys' fees and costs in this case are reasonable.
I have reviewed the billing records submitted with petitioner's request. In my experience, the request appears reasonable, and I find 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, I hereby GRANT petitioner's motion for attorneys' fees and costs.
Accordingly, petitioner is awarded the total amount of $45,271.273 as follows:
• A lump sum of $45,145.93, representing reimbursement for attorneys' fees and costs, in the form of a check payable jointly to petitioner and petitioner's counsel, Alison H. Haskins; and
• A lump sum of $125.34, representing reimbursement for petitioner's costs, in the form of a check payable to petitioner.
• Petitioner requests checks be forwarded to Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, 1605 Main Street, Suite 710, Sarasota Florida 34236
The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
