Erin Patricia O’Neill v. HHS - Meningococcal, transverse myelitis and multiple sclerosis (2015)

Erin Patricia O'Neill filed a petition alleging she developed transverse myelitis and multiple sclerosis after receiving the meningococcal vaccination on July 18, 2007. The case was settled during mediation, and a stipulation was filed on June 11, 2012, leading to a decision awarding compensation on June 12, 2012.

This decision addresses the petitioner's application for attorneys' fees and litigation costs. The petitioner sought $139,704.45 in attorneys' fees and $65,428.71 in attorneys' costs, plus $2,380.92 in personal costs.

The respondent objected to various aspects of the fees and costs requested, including hourly rates, hours spent, expert costs, and legal research fees. After reviewing the submissions and applicable law, the Special Master awarded a total of $169,757.11 for attorneys' fees and costs, and $2,380.92 for the petitioner's personal costs.

The award was reduced from the requested amount due to various objections regarding reasonableness of hours and costs.