Neufeld v. Colvin

Filing 23

ORDER granting 18 Motion for Attorney Fees. Defendant will pay Plaintiff $4,014.50 in attorneys fees in full satisfaction of all claims arising under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412. Signed by District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr on 11/9/2017. (eef)

Download PDF
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA CHARLOTTE DIVISION 3:15-cv-174-RJC SANDRA NEUFELD, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) ) NANCY A. BERRYHILL, ) Acting Commissioner of Social Security ) ) Defendant. ) ____________________________________ ) ORDER THIS MATTER comes before the Court on Plaintiff’s Motion for Attorney Fees Pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), 28 U.S.C. § 2412, (Doc. No. 18); her Memorandum in Support, (Doc. No. 18-1); Defendant’s Response in Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion, (Doc. No. 19); Plaintiff’s Response in Support of her Motion, (Doc. No. 20); and both parties’ Stipulation regarding Plaintiff’s Motion for Attorney Fees, (Doc. No. 22). The motion is fully briefed and ripe for adjudication. On June 15, 2016, this Court granted Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment, (Doc. No. 11), and denied Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment, (Doc. No. 13). (Doc. No 16). This Court concluded that the ALJ’s lack of analysis, explanation, and determination of Plaintiff’s mental RFC warranted a reversal and remand. (Id. at 9). Plaintiff thereafter filed a Motion for Attorney Fees, alleging that Defendant’s arguments were not substantially justified. (Doc. No. 181). In response, Defendant did not contest Plaintiff’s argument, but rather objected to Plaintiff’s motion because it was filed one day after the required deadline. (Doc. No. 19 at 1). This Court, noting a split amongst district courts, ruled that EAJA fee applications were subject to equitable tolling where appropriate. (Doc. No. 21 at 2–3). Both parties have now come before this Court after reaching an agreement that Defendant will pay a fee of $4,014.50 in attorney’s fees to Plaintiff. (Doc. No. 22 at 1). Having reviewed Plaintiff’s motion for attorney’s fees, (Doc. No. 18), and the stipulation of the parties, (Doc. No. 21), it is hereby ORDERED that Defendant will pay Plaintiff $4,014.50 in attorney’s fees in full satisfaction of all claims arising under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412. Signed: November 9, 2017 SEALED DOCUMENT with access to All Parties/Defendants.

Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.


Why Is My Information Online?