VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-02240 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-02240 Petitioner: Frances C. Nwokoro Filed: 2025-01-15 Decided: 2025-02-14 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2020-12-31 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 25000 AI-assisted case summary: Frances C. Nwokoro filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on December 31, 2020. She claimed the injury was a Table injury and that she experienced residual effects for more than six months. Respondent denied that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury or that the vaccine caused her alleged injury. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. The court found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as its decision. Pursuant to the stipulation, Frances C. Nwokoro was awarded a lump sum of $25,000.00 as compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a). The case was settled based on a compromise of the parties' respective positions on liability and damages. Theory of causation field: Table Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-02240-0 Date issued/filed: 2025-02-14 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 01/15/2025) regarding 42 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (kle) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:21-vv-02240-UNJ Document 47 Filed 02/14/25 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 21-2240V FRANCES C. NWOKORO, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: January 15, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Jonathan Joseph Svitak, Shannon Law Group, P.C., Woodridge, IL, for Petitioner. Camille Jordan Webster, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On December 1, 2021, Frances C. Nwokoro 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 alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), a defined Table injury, after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccine on December 31, 2020. Petition at 1, ¶¶ 2, 16, 22 Stipulation, filed Jan. 14, 2025, ¶¶ 1-2, 4. Petitioner further alleges that she received the vaccine within the United States, that she suffered the residual effects of the SIRVA for more than six months, and that neither she nor any other party has filed a civil action or received compensation for her SIRVA, alleged as vaccine caused. Petition at ¶¶ 2, 16, 19-20; Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5. “Respondent denies that [P]etitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu 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 (2018). Case 1:21-vv-02240-UNJ Document 47 Filed 02/14/25 Page 2 of 7 vaccine caused [P]etitioner’s alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that [P]etitioner’s current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.” Stipulation at ¶ 6. Nevertheless, on January 14, 2025, 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 $25,000.00 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. 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 1:21-vv-02240-UNJ Document 47 Filed 02/14/25 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STA TES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAJMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS FRANCES NWOKORO, Petitioner, v. No. 2 I -2240V Chief Special Master Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Frances Nwokoro ("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 the influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccination on December 31, 2020. 3. The flu vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she sustained a Table shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table following administration oft he vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. ENV35792607-2122-FOBB-4587-BABO 01/03/202517:53 PM UTC Case 1:21-vv-02240-UNJ Document 47 Filed 02/14/25 Page 4 of 7 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that petitioner's current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions. the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be settled 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 tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(I), the Secretary of Health and Hwnan Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $25,000.00, 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-2l(a)(l), 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. 10. Petitioner and her 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-15(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 ENV35792607-2122-FOBB-4587-BABD 01/03/2025 17:53 PM UTC Case 1:21-vv-02240-UNJ Document 47 Filed 02/14/25 Page 5 of 7 1 J. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amowits awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(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 unreimbursable expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of4 2 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l S(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity and on behalf of her 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 ofa ction (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands ofw hatever 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-lO 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 December 31, 2020, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about December l, 2021, and an amended petition filed on January 12, 2024, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 21-2240V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry ofj udgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 ENV35792607-2122-FDBB-4587-BABD 01/03/2025 17:53 PM UTC Case 1:21-vv-02240-UNJ Document 47 Filed 02/14/25 Page 6 of 7 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete confonnity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a decision that is in complete confonnity with the tenns 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 oftbe 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 SIRVA or any other injury or petitioner's current condition, or that petitioner suffered an injury contained in the Vaccine Injury Table. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION 4 ENV35792607-2122-FDBB-4587-BABD 01/03/202517:53 PM UTC Case 1:21-vv-02240-UNJ Document 47 Filed 02/14/25 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: FRANCES NWOKORO ATTORNEY OF RECORD AUfHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FOR PETITIONER: OF THE ATIORNEY GENERAL: ' ,4'4&zH. J.&~ ~~ HEATHER L. PEARLMAN W-4;.K.ell-W,P.C. Deputy Director Torts Branch Woodridge, IL 60517 Civil Division (312) 578-9501 U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OFTHESECRETARYOFHEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: Jeffrey S. ~t':1nedby.1eff,ey -s Beach Date: 2024.12.30 lS:SS:13 --OS'OO' for CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH ~ E J. WEBSTER Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Department 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, 08W-25A (202) 307-3241 Rockville, MD 208S7 Camille.Webster@usdoj.gov Y I / f /25 Dated: s ENV35792607-2122-FDBB-4587-BABO 01/03/202517:53 PM UTC ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-02240-cl-extra-10800328 Date issued/filed: 2025-02-14 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10333740 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 21-2240V FRANCES C. NWOKORO, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: January 15, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Jonathan Joseph Svitak, Shannon Law Group, P.C., Woodridge, IL, for Petitioner. Camille Jordan Webster, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On December 1, 2021, Frances C. Nwokoro 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 alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), a defined Table injury, after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccine on December 31, 2020. Petition at 1, ¶¶ 2, 16, 22 Stipulation, filed Jan. 14, 2025, ¶¶ 1-2, 4. Petitioner further alleges that she received the vaccine within the United States, that she suffered the residual effects of the SIRVA for more than six months, and that neither she nor any other party has filed a civil action or received compensation for her SIRVA, alleged as vaccine caused. Petition at ¶¶ 2, 16, 19-20; Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5. “Respondent denies that [P]etitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu 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 (2018). vaccine caused [P]etitioner’s alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that [P]etitioner’s current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.” Stipulation at ¶ 6. Nevertheless, on January 14, 2025, 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 $25,000.00 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. 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 CLAJMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS FRANCES NWOKORO, Petitioner, v. No. 2 I -2240V Chief Special Master Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Frances Nwokoro ("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 the influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccination on December 31, 2020. 3. The flu vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she sustained a Table shoulder injury related to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table following administration of the vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. ENV35792607-2122-FOBB-4587-BABO 01/03/202517:53 PM UTC 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that petitioner's current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions. the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be settled 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 tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(I), the Secretary of Health and Hwnan Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $25,000.00, 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 ofjudgment 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-2l(a)(l), 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. 10. Petitioner and her 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- 15(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 ENV35792607-2122-FOBB-4587-BABD 01/03/2025 17:53 PM UTC 1 J. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amowits awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(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 unreimbursable 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-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l S(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity and on behalf of her 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 ofaction (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-lO 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 December 31, 2020, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about December l, 2021, and an amended petition filed on January 12, 2024, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 21-2240V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry ofjudgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 ENV35792607-2122-FDBB-4587-BABD 01/03/2025 17:53 PM UTC 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete confonnity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a decision that is in complete confonnity with the tenns 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 oftbe 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 SIRVA or any other injury or petitioner's current condition, or that petitioner suffered an injury contained in the Vaccine Injury Table. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION 4 ENV35792607-2122-FDBB-4587-BABD 01/03/202517:53 PM UTC Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: FRANCES NWOKORO ATTORNEY OF RECORD AUfHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FOR PETITIONER: OF THE ATIORNEY GENERAL: ' ,4'4&zH. J.&~ HEATHER L. PEARLMAN ~~ W-4;.K.ell-W,P.C. Deputy Director Torts Branch Woodridge, IL 60517 Civil Division (312) 578-9501 U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OFTHESECRETARYOFHEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: Jeffrey S. ~t':1nedby.1eff,ey Beach -s Date: 2024.12.30 lS:SS:13 --OS'OO' for CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH ~ E J. WEBSTER Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Department 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, 08W-25A (202) 307-3241 Rockville, MD 208S7 Camille.Webster@usdoj.gov Dated: I / f Y/ 25 s ENV35792607-2122-FDBB-4587-BABO 01/03/202517:53 PM UTC ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-02240-cl-extra-11067690 Date issued/filed: 2025-06-09 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10601102 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 21-2240V FRANCES C. NWOKORO, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: May 8, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Jonathan Joseph Svitak, Shannon Law Group, P.C., Woodridge, IL, for Petitioner. Camille Jordan Webster, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS 1 On December 1, 2021, Frances C. Nwokoro 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 she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration a defined Table injury, after receiving an influenza vaccine on December 31, 2020. Petition, ECF No. 1. On January 15, 2025, I issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the parties’ stipulation. ECF No. 42. 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 $24,640.96 (representing $24,071.40 in fees plus $569.56 in costs). Application for Fees and Costs (“Motion”) filed January 24, 2025, ECF No. 45. Furthermore, counsel for Petitioner represents that Petitioner incurred no personal out-of-pocket expenses. Motion at 3. Respondent reacted to the motion on January 28, 2025, reporting that he is satisfied that the statutory requirements for an award of attorney’s fees and costs are met in this case, but deferring resolution of the amount to be awarded to my discretion. Respondent’s Response to Motion at 2-4, ECF No. 46. Petitioner filed no reply thereafter. I have reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner’s request. The rates requested for work performed through the end of 2024 are reasonable and consistent with our prior determinations and will therefore be adopted. Petitioner has also requested the hourly rate of $450 for 2025 work performed by attorney Jonathan Svitak, representing a rate increase of $40 from the previous year. I find the proposed rate to be reasonable given Mr. Svitak’s relevant experience, and hereby award it herein. And all time billed to the matter was also reasonably incurred. Furthermore, Petitioner has provided supporting documentation for all claimed costs. ECF No. 45-4. 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 $24,640.96 (representing $24,071.40 in fees plus $569.56 in costs) to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. 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