K.B. v. HHS - other (2014)

Jill Barrett, on behalf of her minor child K.B., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on June 10, 2009. The respondent conceded entitlement on December 2, 2009.

Following negotiations and stipulations regarding the life care plan and compensation, a judgment was entered on November 21, 2012, awarding K.B. a total of $512,076.00, including a lump sum payment and an annuity for future care needs. Ms.

Barrett subsequently filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs, seeking compensation for legal services and guardianship-related expenses. The respondent opposed parts of the request, particularly the anticipated future guardianship costs.

The Special Master awarded most of the requested attorneys' fees and costs, including the costs for establishing the guardianship, but denied the request for anticipated future guardianship costs, deeming them speculative and not yet incurred. The total award for attorneys' fees and costs was $106,555.61.