Kurt Sonnenburg v. HHS - Influenza, small fiber neuropathy (2023)

Kurt Sonnenburg filed a petition on August 17, 2018, alleging that he suffered small fiber neuropathy caused by his flu vaccination on October 3, 2016. Respondent recommended against compensation in February 2020.

Petitioner filed expert reports in support of his claim in December 2020 and May 2022. On January 19, 2023, petitioner moved for an award of interim attorneys' fees and costs totaling $43,695.90.

Respondent deferred to the court's discretion. The Special Master found the petition was filed in good faith and with a reasonable basis, and that the request for interim fees and costs was reasonable given the protracted nature of the case and the need for costly experts.

The Special Master awarded petitioner $43,695.90 in interim attorneys' fees and costs.