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

Strategic Insights -

Melinda Boards, a petitioner under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, was awarded compensation for a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The case, Boards v. Secretary of Health and Human Services, No. 23-1692V, involved a petition filed on September 29, 2023, alleging that the injury was caused by an influenza vaccine received on September 27, 2022. Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision on March 31, 2025, awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the Respondent's proffer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Petitioner Melinda Boards was awarded compensation for a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration following an influenza vaccine received on September 27, 2022.
  • The case, Boards v. Secretary of Health and Human Services, No. 23-1692V, was filed on September 29, 2023, and involved a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
  • Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision on March 31, 2025, awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the Respondent's proffer.
  • The petition was filed by Jonathan Joseph Svitak, associate with Shannon Law Group, P.C.
  • The Respondent, Secretary of Health and Human Services, was represented by Irene Angelica Firippis.
  • Petitioner's counsel requested an award of $27,947.44, representing $27,041.90 in fees plus $905.54 in costs.
  • The Chief Special Master reduced the amount of fees to be awarded by $50.60 and $341.40 due to paralegal and administrative tasks.
  • The award includes $905.54 in costs, which were found to be reasonable and supported by documentation.
  • The total award amount is $27,555.44 to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement.

Statistics:

  • The petition was filed on September 29, 2023.
  • The decision on attorney's fees and costs was issued on July 14, 2025.
  • The total award amount is $27,555.44.
  • The award includes $905.54 in costs and $26,649.90 in fees.
  • The total reduction in fees due to paralegal and administrative tasks is $391.90 ($341.40 + $50.60).
  • The case involved a petition filed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Sources:

  • In the United States Court of Federal Claims (OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS)
  • National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755
  • Vaccine Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018)
  • Vaccine Rule 18(b)
  • E-Government Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018)