M.Q. v. HHS - other (2014)

On July 7, 2014, Clint Quanstrom and Tammy Quanstrom, parents and natural guardians of M.Q., a minor, filed a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The specific vaccine(s) administered and the alleged injury are not detailed in this decision.

The respondent is the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This decision addresses attorney's fees and costs.

A prior decision was issued on December 11, 2013. On July 7, 2014, the parties filed a joint stipulation of fact concerning attorney's fees and costs.

The stipulation requested a total payment of $36,272.93 for attorney's fees and costs for work performed by the law firm of Robert J. Krakow.

Special Master George L. Hastings, Jr. found that the petition was brought in good faith and had a reasonable basis, making an award for fees and costs appropriate under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(b) and (e)(1).

The Special Master found the proposed amount reasonable and appropriate. Accordingly, Special Master Hastings awarded $36,272.93 as a lump sum, payable jointly to the petitioners and their counsel, Robert J.

Krakow. The decision notes that it will be posted on the court's website unless parties request redactions for trade secrets, confidential information, or medical files constituting an unwarranted invasion of privacy, in accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b).