Larson v. Allina Health System

Background

This order addressed plaintiffs’ motion for attorneys’ fees, reimbursement of litigation expenses, and case contribution awards for the class representatives. The court stated that it had found the settlement fair, reasonable, and adequate. A previous order had authorized notice to the settlement class, and 69,558 notices were mailed, with a reported 95.87% mailing rate. Four objections were filed, representing less than 0.01% of the people who received mailed notice. The objections challenged the requested attorneys’ fees and expenses, but did not challenge the settlement’s fairness or reasonableness.

Court’s analysis

The court found the requested fees and expenses reasonable. It considered the benefit provided to the settlement class, the limited number of objections, the risks class counsel accepted without a promise of recovery or payment, counsel’s experience, the substantial work performed, and counsel’s continuing commitment to oversee the claims process and future work. The court also noted that an independent fiduciary hired by the defendants had found the settlement and fee request reasonable.

The court rejected the objections to the fee allocation and overruled them. It found the objections concerning a possible maximum of $50,000 in expenses moot because plaintiffs requested only $12,413.78. The court also found those expenses necessary for prosecuting the case.

Disposition

Judge Susan Richard Nelson granted the motion for attorneys’ fees, expenses, and case contribution awards. The court awarded class counsel $808,252.50 in attorneys’ fees and $12,413.78 in expenses, to be paid from the settlement fund. It also awarded each class representative $5,000 as a case contribution award.