VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01406 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01406 Petitioner: Brandon Sauter Filed: 2020-10-16 Decided: 2023-11-17 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2019-10-27 Condition: left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 56790 AI-assisted case summary: Brandon Sauter filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 16, 2020. He alleged that he received an influenza vaccine on October 27, 2019, and subsequently suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) within the timeframe specified by the Vaccine Injury Table. Mr. Sauter further alleged that he experienced residual effects from this injury for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Mr. Sauter sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the flu vaccine caused his alleged shoulder injury, and denied that the flu vaccine caused any other injury or his current condition. Despite these opposing positions, the parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as his decision. Pursuant to the stipulation, Mr. Sauter was awarded a lump sum of $56,790.61, payable by check to the petitioner, as compensation for all damages available under the program. This award represents a settlement of both liability and damages. The parties also agreed to proceed with further proceedings to determine reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The decision was issued on November 17, 2023. Petitioner was represented by Jessica Witmer Hayes of the Murray Law Firm, and respondent was represented by Emilie Williams of the U.S. Department of Justice. Theory of causation field: Petitioner Brandon Sauter received an influenza vaccine on October 27, 2019, and alleged a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) within the Vaccine Injury Table timeframe, with residual effects lasting over six months. Respondent denied a SIRVA Table injury and causation. The parties filed a joint stipulation to settle. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation, awarding $56,790.61 as compensation for all damages. The stipulation does not detail specific medical experts, clinical findings, or a precise mechanism of injury, but acknowledges the case falls under the "Table" category for SIRVA. The award represents a settlement of liability and damages, with further proceedings to address attorneys' fees and costs. The decision date was November 17, 2023. Petitioner's counsel was Jessica Witmer Hayes, and respondent's counsel was Emilie Williams. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01406-0 Date issued/filed: 2023-11-17 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 10/11/2023) regarding 55 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (kle) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:20-vv-01406-UNJ Document 59 Filed 11/17/23 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 20-1406V BRANDON SAUTER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: October 11, 2023 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Jessica Witmer Hayes, Murray Law Firm, New Orleans, LA, for Petitioner. Emilie Williams, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On October 16, 2020, Brandon Sauter filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner received an influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a), on October 27, 2019. Petitioner alleges that he suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) within the time period set forth in the Table, and further alleges that he experienced the residual effects of this alleged injury for more than six months. Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that Petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine; and denies that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner any other injury or his current condition. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2012). Case 1:20-vv-01406-UNJ Document 59 Filed 11/17/23 Page 2 of 7 Nevertheless, on October 11, 2023, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following compensation: A lump sum of $56,790.61 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Stipulation at ¶ 8. I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 Case 1:20-vv-01406-UNJ Document 59 Filed 11/17/23 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) BRANDON SAUTER, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 20-1406V v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN ) SERVICES, ) ) _________________ Respondent. ) ) STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: I. Brandon Sauter, petitioner, filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to -34 (the ·'Vaccine Program''). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § I 00.3(a). 2. Petitioner received the flu vaccine October 27, 2019. The vaccine administration records indicate the vaccine was administered in the left ann. 3. The vaccination was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that he suffered a left Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table, and further alleges that he experienced the residual effects of his injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on his behalf as a result of his condition. Case 1:20-vv-01406-UNJ Document 59 Filed 11/17/23 Page 4 of 7 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denies that petitioner's alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine, and denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner any other injury or his current condition. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be senled and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofj udgment reflecting a decision consistent with the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U .S.C. § 300aa-21 (a)( J ), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $56,790.61 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofj udgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2 I (a)( I), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this petition. I 0. Petitioner and his attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U. S.C. § 300aa-I 5(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 2 Case 1:20-vv-01406-UNJ Document 59 Filed 11/17/23 Page 5 of 7 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- l 5(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursed expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in his individual capacity, and on behalf of his heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on October 27, 2019, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about October I 6, 2020, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 20-l 406V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 Case 1:20-vv-01406-UNJ Document 59 Filed 11/17/23 Page 6 of 7 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in confonnity with a decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties' settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury or any other injury. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION I I I 4 .. Case 1:20-vv-01406-UNJ Document 59 Filed 11/17/23 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITION R: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: L-- -Av~V. Q-e,1)J\~ JES HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director 701 Poydras Street, Suite 4250 Torts Branch New Orleans, Louisiana 70139 Civil Division Tel: (504) 525-8100 U.S. Department of Justice Email: jhayes@murray-lawfirm.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEAL TH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: George R. Grimes G O , i i g m it e a s lly ·S s l ig 4 n edbyGeorgeR, ~ U)M f1llLz •S 1 4 Date: 20l3.09.08 16:53:44 •04'00' CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH EMILIE F. WILLIAMS Director, Division oflnjury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Departmenc of Justice Administration P.O. Box 146 U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station and Human Services Washington, DC 20044-0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 08N 1468 Tel: {202) 305-0124 Rockville, MD 20857 Email: Emilie.williams@usdoj.gov to I t1.0~ Dated: lb 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01406-cl-extra-10736989 Date issued/filed: 2023-11-17 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10270399 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 20-1406V BRANDON SAUTER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: October 11, 2023 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Jessica Witmer Hayes, Murray Law Firm, New Orleans, LA, for Petitioner. Emilie Williams, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On October 16, 2020, Brandon Sauter filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner received an influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a), on October 27, 2019. Petitioner alleges that he suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) within the time period set forth in the Table, and further alleges that he experienced the residual effects of this alleged injury for more than six months. Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that Petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine; and denies that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner any other injury or his current condition. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2012). Nevertheless, on October 11, 2023, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following compensation: A lump sum of $56,790.61 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Stipulation at ¶ 8. I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) BRANDON SAUTER, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 20-1406V v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN ) SERVICES, ) ) _________________ Respondent. ) ) STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: I. Brandon Sauter, petitioner, filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to -34 (the ·'Vaccine Program''). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § I 00.3(a). 2. Petitioner received the flu vaccine October 27, 2019. The vaccine administration records indicate the vaccine was administered in the left ann. 3. The vaccination was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that he suffered a left Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table, and further alleges that he experienced the residual effects of his injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on his behalf as a result of his condition. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denies that petitioner's alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine, and denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner any other injury or his current condition. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be senled and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofjudgment reflecting a decision consistent with the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U .S.C. § 300aa-21 (a)( J), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $56,790.61 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2 I (a)( I), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this petition . I 0. Petitioner and his attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- I 5(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 2 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- l 5(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursed expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in his individual capacity, and on behalf of his heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary o f Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on October 27, 2019, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about October I 6, 2020, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 20-l 406V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in confonnity with a decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties' settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury or any other injury. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION I I I 4 .. Respectfully submitted, ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITION R: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: JES L-- -Av~V. Q-e,1)J\~ HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director 701 Poydras Street, Suite 4250 Torts Branch New Orleans, Louisiana 70139 Civil Division Tel: (504) 525-8100 U.S. Department of Justice Email: jhayes@murray-lawfirm.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: George R. Grimes OigitallysignedbyGeorgeR, •S14 G,imes ·Sl4 Date: 20l3.09.08 16:53:44 •04'00' ~ U)M f1llLz CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH EMILIE F. WILLIAMS Director, Division oflnjury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Departmenc of Justice Administration P.O. Box 146 U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station and Human Services Washington, DC 20044-0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 08N 1468 Tel: {202) 305-0124 Rockville, MD 20857 Email: Emil ie.williams@usdoj.gov Dated: toIlb t1.0~ 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01406-cl-extra-10734492 Date issued/filed: 2024-08-16 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10267902 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 20-1406V BRANDON SAUTER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: July 15, 2024 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Jessica Witmer Hayes, Murray Law Firm, New Orleans, LA, for Petitioner. Emilie Williams, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS 1 On October 16, 2020, Brandon Sauter filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. 2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleged that he suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration within the time period set forth in the Table. Petition, ECF No. 1. On October 11, 2023, I issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the parties’ stipulation. ECF No. 55. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other inf ormation, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If , upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material f rom public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section ref erences to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Petitioner has now filed a motion for attorney’s fees and costs, requesting an award of $48,350.44 (representing $47,427.40 in fees plus $923.04 in costs). Application for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs (“Motion”) filed April 16, 2024, ECF No. 60. Furthermore, Petitioner filed a signed statement representing that Petitioner incurred no personal out- of-pocket expenses. ECF No. 61. Respondent filed no response to Petitioner’s Motion thereafter. I have reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner’s request. For work performed by attorney Jessica W. Hayes, Petitioner has requested the following hourly rates: $442 for 2022; $469 for 2023; and $496 for 2024. ECF No. 60-1 at 15. Ms. Hayes has been a licensed attorney since 2004. Id. 60-3 at 1. In my experience, the requested hourly rates appears reasonable, and I find no cause to reduce the requested hours or rates. Furthermore, Petitioner has provided supporting documentation for all claimed costs. ECF No. 60-2. Respondent offered no specific objection to the rates or amounts sought. I find the requested costs reasonable and hereby award them in full. The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for successful claimants. Section 15(e). Accordingly, I hereby GRANT Petitioner’s Motion for attorney’s fees and costs. I award a total of $48,350.44 (representing $47,427.40 in fees plus $923.04 in costs) as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to Petitioner and Petitioner’s counsel, Jessica W. Hayes. In the absence of a timely- filed motion for review (see Appendix B to the Rules of the Court), the Clerk of Court shall enter judgment in accordance with this decision. 3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by f iling a joint notice renouncing their right to seek review. 2