Alex Dosser v. HHS - Meningococcal, occipital neuralgia, with chronic headaches, migraines, burning pain, and photophobia (2025)

Alex Dosser filed a petition on July 1, 2021, alleging that he developed occipital neuralgia, with chronic headaches, migraines, burning pain, and photophobia, as a result of meningococcal vaccines administered on August 22, 2019. On December 26, 2024, Petitioner filed a motion for interim attorneys' fees and costs, requesting $66,711.98.

Respondent deferred to the Special Master's determination. The Special Master found the claim was brought in good faith and on a reasonable basis, and that an award of interim fees and costs was appropriate due to significant expert fees and a change in counsel.

The Special Master reviewed the requested hourly rates and found most to be reasonable and in accordance with prior awards, but adjusted the 2022 rates for Mr. Downing, Ms.

Jorgenson, and paralegals to a single rate for the calendar year, resulting in a reduction of $335.00. Reductions were also made for non-compensable administrative billing, block billing, and excessive paralegal time for document review, totaling a further 5% reduction in fees.

For expert fees, Dr. Axelrod's request of $5,600.00 was awarded in full.

Dr. Siegler's hourly rate was reduced from $660.00 to $500.00, resulting in a $3,360.00 reduction.

Miscellaneous costs of $794.98 were awarded in full. The total award for interim attorneys' fees and costs was $60,710.88.