Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Attorney's Fees and Costs Awarded

Strategic Insights -

Frances C. Nwokoro, a petitioner in the United States Court of Federal Claims, was awarded compensation for a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The court issued a decision on attorney's fees and costs, allocating $24,640.96 for the petitioner's counsel. This award consists of $24,071.40 in fees and $569.56 in costs, with the entirety of these costs considered reasonable and incurred in a timely manner.

Key Takeaways:

  • Petitioner Frances C. Nwokoro was awarded compensation for a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration on January 15, 2025.
  • The total award of attorney's fees and costs for Petitioner's counsel amounts to $24,640.96.
  • The fees component totals $24,071.40, while the costs component is $569.56.
  • Counsel for Petitioner requested an award of $24,640.96, which includes $24,071.40 in fees and $569.56 in costs, all of which were deemed reasonable and timely by the court.
  • The court approved an hourly rate of $450 for 2025 work performed by attorney Jonathan Svitak, representing an increase of $40 from the previous year.
  • The requested costs were considered reasonable and awarded in full, with supporting documentation provided for all claimed expenses.
  • Respondent did not offer any specific objection to the requested rates or amounts sought.
  • The court granted Petitioner's Motion for attorney's fees and costs, following the Vaccine Act's provisions for reimbursement.

Statistics:

  • Total award for attorney's fees and costs: $24,640.96
  • Fees component: $24,071.40
  • Costs component: $569.56
  • Requested hourly rate for attorney Jonathan Svitak for 2025 work: $450

Sources:

  • United States Court of Federal Claims Opinion No. 21-2240V
  • 42 U.S.C. SS300aa-10, et seq. (National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program)
  • Vaccine Rule 18(b)