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Award of Attorneys' Fees and Costs in Vaccine Injury Program Case

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Gordon Morris, the petitioner in a case before the United States Court of Federal Claims, has been awarded attorneys' fees and costs totaling $71,615.57 for his claim related to Bell's palsy caused by an influenza vaccination. The case, which was filed on May 24, 2023, was resolved through a stipulation on May 12, 2025, with the court awarding attorneys' fees and costs in accordance with the Vaccine Act. The award was granted on October 14, 2025, following the petitioner's application for attorneys' fees and costs filed on June 16, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United States Court of Federal Claims awarded Gordon Morris attorneys' fees and costs totaling $71,615.57 for his claim related to Bell's palsy caused by an influenza vaccination.
  • The case was filed on May 24, 2023, and resolved through a stipulation on May 12, 2025.
  • The petitioner, Gordon Morris, filed an application for attorneys' fees and costs on June 16, 2025, requesting $71,615.57.
  • The court found the requested hourly rates consistent with what counsel has previously been awarded for their Vaccine Program work, and reasonable in this case.
  • The court also found the total number of hours billed to be reasonable and awarded them in full, as well as the requested costs.
  • The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
  • The court granted the petitioner's motion for attorneys' fees and costs, awarding the full amount of $71,615.57.
  • The award is to be paid through an ACH deposit to the petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement.

Statistics:

  • Total award: $71,615.57
  • Attorneys' fees: $44,763.40
  • Costs: $26,852.17
  • Number of hours billed: (no specific number mentioned in the text)
  • Hourly rates requested for counsel: $510.00 per hour for 2024, $525.00 per hour for 2025
  • Hourly rates requested for paralegals: $187.00 to $195.00 per hour from 2024 to 2025

Sources:

  • *United States Court of Federal Claims OPINION* (September 16, 2025)
  • 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2025)
  • Vaccine Rule 18(b)

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