Jessica Mura v. HHS - other (2013)

On July 21, 2014, Chief Special Master Denise Kathryn Vowell issued a decision regarding attorney fees and costs in the case of Jessica Mura, petitioner, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, respondent. The decision followed a prior award of compensation made on December 18, 2013, pursuant to the respondent's proffer.

On July 18, 2014, the parties submitted a stipulation for attorney fees and costs. This stipulation indicated that following informal discussions about the petitioner's draft fee application, the petitioner had amended her request.

The respondent did not object to the amended amount. The stipulation also noted that the petitioner incurred no personal litigation costs, in accordance with General Order #9.

Chief Special Master Vowell 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 proposed amount was deemed reasonable and appropriate.

Consequently, Chief Special Master Vowell awarded a total of $150,000.00, to be paid by check jointly to the petitioner, Jessica Mura, and her counsel of record, Corey J. Hogan of Hogan Willig, Esquire, for petitioner's attorney fees and costs.

This award was intended to cover all legal expenses, including advanced costs and fees for legal services rendered, and prevented the attorney from charging or collecting additional fees or costs. The decision was not to be published.

Corey J. Hogan represented the petitioner, and Linda S.

Renzi represented the respondent. The specific vaccine, vaccination date, alleged injury, and the details of the compensation award are not described in this decision, which focuses solely on attorney fees and costs.