Award of Attorney's Fees and Costs in Vaccine Act Case 24-0599V

Strategic Insights -

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).