L.A. v. HHS - Influenza, appendicitis resulting in an appendectomy and reactive synovitis (2026)

Bonnie Albano, on behalf of her minor child L.A., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on December 23, 2024. Petitioner alleges that L.A. suffered appendicitis resulting in an appendectomy and reactive synovitis after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 25, 2022.

The case is still pending resolution. Petitioner has filed a motion for interim attorneys' fees and costs, requesting $65,339.48.

Respondent opposed the motion, asserting the claim lacked a reasonable basis, but did not object to the rates or hours. The court found that Petitioner acted in good faith and demonstrated a reasonable basis for the claim, citing medical records and expert opinions.

The court granted the motion for interim attorneys' fees and costs, awarding the full requested amount of $65,339.48. The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Corcoran on March 10, 2026.