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

Strategic Insights -

Jennifer McCorkle, a petitioner in a vaccine injury compensation case, was awarded $16,484.01 in attorney's fees and costs by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran of the United States Court of Federal Claims. The decision, dated July 16, 2025, was made in the case of McCorkle v. Secretary of Health and Human Services, No. 24-669V. The award was granted following a motion for fees and costs filed by Petitioner's counsel, Leigh Finfer, on April 23, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • Petitioner Jennifer McCorkle filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 26, 2024, alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.
  • The case was decided in favor of the Petitioner on March 26, 2025, with Respondent's proffer.
  • Petitioner's counsel, Leigh Finfer, submitted a motion for attorney's fees and costs on April 23, 2025, requesting an award of $16,802.01.
  • The motion was filed with supporting documentation, including billing records and supporting materials.
  • Respondent's Reaction: Respondent was satisfied that the statutory requirements for an award of fees and costs were met and deferred resolution of the amount to be awarded to the Chief Special Master's discretion.
  • Hours Billed in 2025: 15.90 hours
  • Hourly Rate for 2025: Reduced to $330.00 per hour
  • Reduction in Fees: $318.00
  • Awarded Attorney's Fees: $15,133.10
  • Awarded Costs: $1,350.91
  • Total Awarded Amount: $16,484.01
  • Payment Method: To be paid through an ACH deposit directly to Petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account.

Statistics:

  • Total Awarded Amount: $16,484.01
  • Awarded Attorney's Fees: $15,133.10
  • Awarded Costs: $1,350.91
  • Reduction in Fees: $318.00

Sources:

  • Case 1:24-vv-00669-UNJ Document 36 Filed 08/18/25 Page 1 of 3
  • Case 1:24-vv-00669-UNJ Document 36 Filed 08/18/25 Page 2 of 3
  • Case 1:24-vv-00669-UNJ Document 36 Filed 08/18/25 Page 3 of 3
  • 44 U.S.C. SS 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services)
  • 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10, et seq. (the "Vaccine Act")