Ilya Dobrydnev v. HHS - Hepatitis B, chronic fatigue syndrome (2015)

Ilya Dobrydnev filed a petition alleging that a hepatitis B vaccination caused him to develop chronic fatigue syndrome. His parents initially filed the petition on his behalf, but he was substituted as the petitioner when he reached the age of majority.

After extensive litigation, the Federal Circuit upheld a finding that Mr. Dobrydnev was not entitled to compensation for his alleged injury.

This decision addresses attorneys' fees and costs. Although compensation was denied, petitioners who bring their case in good faith with a reasonable basis may be awarded fees and costs.

Mr. Dobrydnev's counsel diligently represented him, and the court found that he acted in good faith with a reasonable basis for proceeding.

Following negotiations, the parties agreed to a final award of $65,000.00 in attorneys' fees and costs, to which the respondent did not object. The court awarded this amount.