Award of Attorney's Fees and Costs in Vaccine Act Case 24-0599V
In a decision issued by the United States Court of Federal Claims, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran awarded attorney's fees and costs to John Sproul, a petitioner under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Sproul had filed a petition for compensation after suffering a Table shoulder injury related to an influenza vaccination. The court found the requested fees and costs to be reasonable, and accordingly awarded Sproul $27,457.06 for attorney's fees and costs.
Key Takeaways:
- The court found the requested attorney's fees and costs to be reasonable, with a total amount of $27,457.06.
- The award includes $25,974.60 in fees and $1,482.46 in costs.
- Petitioner John Sproul incurred no personal out-of-pocket expenses.
- Respondent indicated satisfaction with the statutory requirements for attorney's fees and costs being met, but deferring resolution of the amount to the court's discretion.
- The court granted the petition and awarded the full amount of requested fees and costs.
Statistics:
- Award of $27,457.06, including $25,974.60 in fees and $1,482.46 in costs.
- Total number of hours claimed by counsel: not specified.
- Total amount of costs incurred by Petitioner: $1,482.46.
- Percentage of costs related to medical expenses: 0% (no personal out-of-pocket expenses were incurred).
Sources:
- United States Court of Federal Claims decision, Case No. 24-0599V, issued May 2, 2025.
- National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10, et seq.
- E-Government Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018).
- Vaccine Rule 18(b) (redaction of medical information).