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Award of Attorney's Fees and Costs in Vaccine Compensation Case

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— 1 min read

Petitioner Jeanne Carpenter was awarded compensation in a Vaccine Injury Compensation Program case after filing a petition on September 28, 2023, alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Following a stipulation by the parties, on March 4, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner. This decision now addresses Petitioner's subsequent motion for attorney's fees and costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Petitioner Jeanne Carpenter filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 28, 2023, alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.
  • On March 4, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the parties' stipulation.
  • Petitioner filed a motion for attorney's fees and costs on March 11, 2025, requesting an award of $19,972.31.
  • The proposed rates of $469.00 per hour for attorney Glen Sturtevant and $211.00 per hour for paralegal work in 2025 were found to be reasonable.
  • All time billed to the matter was reasonably incurred, and supportive documentation was provided for claimed costs.
  • Respondent offered no specific objection to the rates or amounts sought.
  • The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney's fees and costs for successful claimants, with costs including $19,639.50 in fees and $332.81 in costs.
  • A total award of $19,972.31 was granted to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement.

Statistics:

  • The petition was filed on September 28, 2023.
  • The decision awarding compensation was issued on March 4, 2025.
  • Proposer rates: $469.00 per hour for attorney Glen Sturtevant and $211.00 per hour for paralegal work.
  • Total award granted: $19,972.31.
  • Award breakdown: $19,639.50 in fees and $332.81 in costs.

Sources:

  • United States Court of Federal Claims, OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1678V JEANNE CARPENTER, Petitioner, v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent (Decision on Attorney's Fees and Costs).

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