Iris Rivera Morales v. HHS - HPV, transverse myelitis (2025)

Iris Rivera Morales filed a claim alleging that she developed transverse myelitis, which she asserts was caused-in-fact by the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine she received on May 24, 2019. The petition was filed on May 23, 2022.

Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report recommending against compensation. Both parties agreed that petitioner suffered from transverse myelitis but disagreed on causation.

The case was briefed for a ruling on the record. Petitioner later filed an amended motion for interim attorneys' fees and costs, requesting $207,098.09.

Respondent deferred to the special master on the reasonableness of the award. The Special Master granted the motion in part, awarding $196,618.76 in reasonable interim attorneys' fees and costs.

The decision addressed the reasonableness of hourly rates for the attorney and paralegals, and reduced some expert costs due to excessive time spent on research and travel. The case is proceeding, and this decision specifically addresses interim fees and costs, not final entitlement or damages.