IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

No. 10-130V

Filed: August 5, 2014

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

RONALD S. HALL, JR. and TONI E. HALL, *

as parents and natural guardians of, *

P.H., *

Petitioners, * Stipulation; Attorney Fees and Costs

v. *

*

SECRETARY OF HEALTH *

AND HUMAN SERVICES, *

Respondent. *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Diana Stadelnikas Sedar, Esq., Maglio Christopher & Toale, P.A., Sarasota, FL for 

petitioners.

Traci R. Patton, Esq., US Department of Justice, Washington, DC for respondent.

DECISION ON ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS1

Vowell, Chief Special Master:

In this case under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program,2 I issued 

a decision on March 7, 2014, that awarded compensation pursuant to the parties’ joint 

stipulation. On August 4, 2014, the parties filed a stipulation for attorney fees and costs. 

The stipulation indicates that the parties discussed the fees and costs informally, and 

based on those discussions, the parties have agreed on $49,000.00 in attorneys’ fees 

and costs and $7,005.18 in petitioners’ costs for a total of $56,005.18.

I find that this petition was brought in good faith and that there existed a 

reasonable basis for the claim. Therefore, an award for fees and costs is appropriate, 

1 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I intend 

to post this decision on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, in accordance with the EGovernment Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, § 205, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (codified as amended at 44 

U.S.C. § 3501 note (2006)). In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), a party has 14 days to identify and 

move to delete medical or other information, that satisfies the criteria in 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(d)(4)(B). 

Further, consistent with the rule requirement, a motion for redaction must include a proposed redacted 

decision. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within the requirements of that provision, I 

will delete such material from public access. 

2 The applicable statutory provisions defining the program are found at 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq. 

(2006). 

 
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-15(b) and (e)(1). Further, the proposed amount seems 

reasonable and appropriate. 

Accordingly, I hereby award the total $56,005.183 as follows:

• a lump sum of $49,000.00 in the form of a check payable jointly to 

petitioners (Ronald Hall, Jr. and Toni Hall) and petitioners’ counsel of 

record (Diana Stadelnikas Sedar) for petitioners’ attorney fees and 

costs, and

• a lump sum of $7,005.18 in the form of a check payable to petitioners

(Ronald Hall, Jr. and Toni Hall) for their personal litigation costs.

The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.4

IT IS SO ORDERED.

/s Denise K. Vowell

Denise K. Vowell

Chief Special Master

3 This amount is intended to cover all legal expenses incurred in this matter. This award encompasses all 

charges by the attorney against a client, “advanced costs” as well as fees for legal services rendered. 

Furthermore, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(e)(3) prevents an attorney from charging or collecting fees (including 

costs) that would be in addition to the amount awarded herein. See generally Beck v. Sec’y, HHS, 924 

F.2d 1029 (Fed. Cir.1991).

4 Entry of judgment can be expedited by each party’s filing of a notice renouncing the right to seek review. 

See Vaccine Rule 11(a).

2