Attorney's Fees and Costs Awarded in Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Case

Strategic Insights -

Petitioner J.W., who received a human papillomavirus vaccine, filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in May 2023, alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. After conducting a review, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner on August 2, 2024. Now, Petitioner has filed a motion for attorney's fees and costs, requesting an award of $22,948.25, which was granted by the court.

Key Takeaways:

  • Petitioner J.W. filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in May 2023, alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.
  • Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner on August 2, 2024.
  • Petitioner filed a motion for attorney's fees and costs on February 21, 2025, requesting an award of $22,948.25.
  • The court granted the motion and awarded Petitioner attorneys' fees and costs in the total amount of $22,954.75.
  • Petitioner's attorney, Leah VaSahnja Durant, represented the Petitioner throughout the process.
  • The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney's fees and costs for successful claimants.
  • The court found the requested costs reasonable and awarded them in full.

Statistics:

  • The total award of attorneys' fees and costs was $22,954.75.
  • Petitioner's out-of-pocket expenses were $6.50.
  • The court reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner's request and found them reasonable.
  • Respondent offered no specific objection to the rates or amounts sought.
  • The court granted Petitioner's Motion for attorney's fees and costs on August 28, 2025.

Sources:

  • In the United States Court of Federal Claims (2025) Decisions on Attorney's Fees and Costs, Case No. 23-689V.
  • Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC (representing Petitioner J.W.).
  • Eleanor Hanson, U.S. Department of Justice (representing Respondent).