Young v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

Opinion

In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1309V

MAMMIE L. YOUNG, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: July 2, 2024

SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,

Respondent.

Elizabeth Martin Muldowney, Sands Anderson P.C., Richmond, VA, for Petitioner.

Meghan Murphy, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

DECISION ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS 1

On September 16, 2022, Mammie L. Young filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. 2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury following an influenza vaccination she received on September 26, 2019. Petition, ECF No. 1. On February 7, 2024, I issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the parties’ stipulation. ECF No. 41.

1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other inf ormation, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If , upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material f rom public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease

of citation, all section ref erences to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Petitioner has now filed a motion for attorney’s fees and costs, requesting an award of $29,829.11 (representing $27,820.90 in fees plus $2,008.21 in costs). Application for Fees and Costs (“Motion”) filed April 11, 2024, ECF No. 46. Furthermore, Petitioner filed a signed statement representing that Petitioner incurred $28.29 in personal out-of-pocket expenses. ECF No. 46-1.

Respondent reacted to the motion on April 17, 2024, reporting that he is satisfied that the statutory requirements for an award of attorney’s fees and costs are met in this case, but deferring resolution of the amount to be awarded to my discretion. Respondent’s Response to Motion at 2-3, ECF No. 48. Petitioner filed a reply on April 17, 2024, reiterating her request for fees and costs as indicated in the Motion. ECF No. 49.

The rates requested for work performed through the end of 2023 are reasonable and consistent with our prior determinations, and will therefore be adopted. Petitioner has also requested the hourly rate of $475 for 2024 work performed by attorney Elizabeth Muldowney, representing a rate increase of $25; and the rate of $195 for paralegal work performed in 2024, Motion at 4. I find these rates to be reasonable and will award the attorney’s fees requested. And all time billed to the matter was also reasonably incurred.

Furthermore, Petitioner has provided supporting documentation for all claimed costs. ECF No. 46-3. Respondent offered no specific objection to the rates or amounts sought. I find the requested costs reasonable and hereby award them in full.

The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for successful claimants. Section 15(e). Accordingly, I hereby GRANT Petitioner’s Motion for attorney’s fees and costs. Petitioner is awarded the total amount of $29,857.40 3 as follows:

• A lump sum of $29,829.11 (representing $27,820.90 in fees plus $2,008.21 in costs) in the form of a check payable jointly to Petitioner and Petitioner’s counsel, Elizabeth M. Muldowney; and

• A lump sum of $28.29, representing reimbursement for Petitioner’s costs, in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. 3 This amount is intended to cover all legal expenses incurred in this matter. This award encompasses all charges by the attorney against a client, “advanced costs” as well as f ees f or legal services rendered. Furthermore, § 15(e)(3) prevents an attorney from charging or collecting fees (including costs) that would be in addition to the amount awarded herein. See generally Beck v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 924 F.2d 1029 (Fed. Cir.1991).

2 In the absence of a timely-filed motion for review (see Appendix B to the Rules of the Court), the Clerk of Court shall enter judgment in accordance with this Decision. 4

IT IS SO ORDERED.

s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master

4 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by f iling a joint notice renouncing their right to seek review. 3