A.Z. v. HHS - Autism (2014)

Bozena Zarzycka and Arkadivsz Zarzycki, as parents and natural guardians of A.Z., a minor, filed a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The underlying claim was identified as autism.

Special Master George L. Hastings Jr. issued an Order Concluding Proceedings on February 5, 2014, pursuant to Vaccine Rule 21(a).

On July 21, 2014, the petitioners moved for a decision adopting the parties' agreement regarding attorneys' fees and costs. Respondent's counsel indicated no objection to the petitioners' request.

Petitioners' counsel represented that he would reimburse petitioners for any personally incurred costs compensable under § 15(e)(1). Special Master Hastings granted the motion, awarding petitioners $12,699.13 in attorneys' fees and costs.

He found that the petition was brought in good faith and upon a reasonable basis, and that the requested amounts were reasonable and appropriate. The award was to be paid as a lump sum via check jointly to the petitioners and their counsel, Michael A.

London. The decision noted that this award covered all legal expenses and that attorneys are prevented from charging additional fees or costs.

The public record does not describe the specific vaccines administered, the dates of vaccination, the onset of symptoms, the clinical history, or the specific theory of autism causation. The $12,699.13 award was solely for legal fees and costs, not for vaccine injury compensation.