Margaret Gustafson v. HHS - other (2014)

Margaret Gustafson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. This decision addresses only the attorneys' fees and costs associated with her case.

The parties, Margaret Gustafson and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reached a stipulation of fact regarding the appropriate amount for these fees and costs. Petitioner asserted no out-of-pocket expenses.

During informal discussions, respondent raised objections to certain items in petitioner's application. Based on these objections, petitioner amended her request for reimbursement for attorneys' fees and costs to $20,000.00.

Respondent did not object to this revised amount. Special Master Laura D.

Millman found the amount to be reasonable. Accordingly, the court awarded $20,000.00 for attorneys' fees and costs, to be paid jointly to Margaret Gustafson and her legal counsel, McCarthy Law Group.

The decision directs the clerk of the court to enter judgment. Timothy H.

McCarthy, Jr. represented the petitioner, and Debra A. Filteau Begley represented the respondent.

The decision was filed on May 21, 2014.