M.R. v. HHS - autism or autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) (2018)

On February 17, 2010, P.R. and S.R., as parents and natural guardians of their minor child M.R., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. They alleged that multiple childhood vaccinations caused M.R. to develop autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

This case was part of the J.M. et al. omnibus case, and the petitioners agreed to be bound by its ruling. The court dismissed both the J.M. et al. case and this case on August 31, 2017.

Subsequently, on December 3, 2017, petitioners filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs, requesting $87,576.05 in fees and $10,882.44 in costs. Respondent did not contest the statutory requirements for an award.

The court awarded $70,060.84 in attorneys' fees and costs and $550.00 in petitioners' costs, totaling $70,610.84. The award was reduced due to duplicative billing with co-counsel, excessive communication, administrative work, unrelated travel, and time spent on denied motions for access to databases.