Jasmine Monroe v. HHS - MMR, Bell's palsy (2025)

Jasmine Monroe filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on November 25, 2024, alleging that she developed Bell's palsy as a result of a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination on April 24, 2021. On January 1, 2025, Petitioner filed a motion for interim attorneys' fees and costs, requesting $20,388.50.

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 billing records, finding the hourly rates reasonable but reducing the requested fees by 5% ($950.10) due to non-compensable administrative tasks, block billing, and excessive time billed for certain tasks. The requested costs of $1,336.50 were awarded in full.

The total award for interim attorneys' fees and costs was $19,388.40.