Filed: Nov. 20, 2019
Latest Update: Nov. 20, 2019
Summary: Not to be published DECISION ON ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS 1 BRIAN H. CORCORAN , Chief Special Master . On March 8, 2018, Laura Johnson ("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" or "Program"). 3 Petitioner alleges that she suffered left shoulder injuries caused in fact by the influenza vaccination she received on November 7, 2016. (Petition at 2, 16). On September 23, 20
Summary: Not to be published DECISION ON ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS 1 BRIAN H. CORCORAN , Chief Special Master . On March 8, 2018, Laura Johnson ("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" or "Program"). 3 Petitioner alleges that she suffered left shoulder injuries caused in fact by the influenza vaccination she received on November 7, 2016. (Petition at 2, 16). On September 23, 201..
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Not to be published
DECISION ON ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS1
BRIAN H. CORCORAN, Chief Special Master.
On March 8, 2018, Laura Johnson ("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" or "Program").3 Petitioner alleges that she suffered left shoulder injuries caused in fact by the influenza vaccination she received on November 7, 2016. (Petition at ¶¶ 2, 16). On September 23, 2019, a decision was issued by then-Chief Special Master Dorsey, dismissing the case for insufficient proof. (ECF No. 31).
Petitioner has now filed a motion for attorney's fees and costs, dated November 8, 2019, (ECF No. 34), requesting a total award of $9,298.66 (representing $8,508.50 in fees and $790.16 in costs). In accordance with General Order #9, Petitioner filed a signed statement indicating she incurred no out-of-pocket expenses. (ECF No. 36). Respondent reacted to the motion on November 12, 2019 indicating that he is satisfied that the statutory requirements for an award of attorney's fees and costs are met in this case and defers to the Court's discretion to determine the amount to be awarded. (ECF No. 40). Through email correspondence on November 12, 2019, counsel for Petitioner notified the staff attorney's office that Petitioner did not intend to file a reply. See Informal Remark, November 12, 2019.
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 attorney's fees and costs. § 15(e). Accordingly, I hereby GRANT Petitioner's Motion for attorney's fees and costs. I award a total of $9,298.66 (representing $8,508.50 in fees and $790.16) in costs) as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to Petitioner and Petitioner's counsel. In the absence of a timely-filed motion for review (see Appendix B to the Rules of the Court), the Clerk shall enter judgment in accordance with this decision.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
