Kim B. Rhodes v. HHS - Influenza, clinical rheumatoid arthritis (2025)

Kim B. Rhodes filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 28, 2019, alleging that she developed clinical rheumatoid arthritis as a result of the influenza vaccine she received on October 21, 2016.

This decision addresses an interim motion for attorneys' fees and costs filed by the petitioner. The case has been pending for over six years, involving extensive medical records, three expert reports, and multiple motions.

The Special Master found that interim fees were warranted due to the protracted nature of the proceedings and to avoid undue hardship on the petitioner. The requested hourly rates for attorneys and paralegals were found to be reasonable and consistent with established fee schedules.

The hours reasonably expended were also deemed acceptable, with no objectionable entries or specific objections raised by the respondent. Costs associated with medical records, literature, filing fees, and expert witness Dr.

Chander Raman were also awarded in full. The total award for interim attorneys' fees and costs is $152,349.95.