Stephanie T. Hemenway v. HHS - other (2014)

Stephanie T. Hemenway, as mother and natural guardian of Andrew B.

Hemenway, a minor, filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on March 7, 2014. The case was dismissed by Chief Special Master Vowell on August 2, 2013, with judgment entered on September 16, 2013.

On February 9, 2014, petitioner filed a motion for attorney fees and costs, requesting $24,377.55 in fees and $173.22 in costs. Respondent indicated they would defer to the Chief Special Master regarding the resolution of the fee request.

The Chief Special Master applied the lodestar method to determine reasonable attorney fees and costs. Reductions were made to the hours billed for the fee application and the hourly rate applied to certain entries.

The litigation costs requested were deemed reasonable and awarded in full. Ultimately, the Chief Special Master awarded $23,778.10 in attorney fees and costs, payable jointly to the petitioner and her counsel.