Tessie Dingle v. HHS - Hepatitis B, postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) (2014)

Tessie Dingle filed a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging she developed postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) as a result of the hepatitis B and Td vaccines she received on August 15, 2005. The Chief Special Master denied compensation on the merits in an entitlement decision dated July 23, 2013.

Subsequently, Ms. Dingle filed an application for attorneys' fees and costs, requesting $178,814.85.

Respondent objected, arguing the request was excessive. The Special Master reviewed the application, making several reductions based on hourly rates, vague or excessive time entries, secretarial tasks performed by paralegals, filing errors, and the necessity and reasonableness of expert work.

Ultimately, the Special Master awarded a total of $146,190.30 in attorneys' fees and costs, to be paid jointly to Ms. Dingle and her counsel.