Tieu Binh Le v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (2014)

Tieu Binh Le filed a petition on December 26, 2007, alleging that an influenza vaccination received on December 30, 2004, caused her to develop Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). The case progressed through various special masters and the submission of extensive medical records.

On October 2, 2012, the parties filed a stipulation agreeing to a settlement. A decision was entered on October 3, 2012, and judgment was entered on November 6, 2012, awarding Tieu Binh Le $205,000.00 in compensation.

Subsequently, on July 18, 2013, the petitioner requested attorneys' fees and costs. The respondent raised several objections regarding the reasonableness of the hourly rate and the number of hours billed.

After reviewing the arguments and evidence, the Special Master found the requested hourly rate of $295 for attorney Brian R. Arnold to be reasonable and awarded $47,802.50 in attorneys' fees and $1,724.52 in costs, for a total award of $49,527.02.

Reductions were made for administrative tasks and excessive hours billed for certain filings.