Stonerock v. Commissioner of Social Security ( 2019 )

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO WESTERN DIVISION AT DAYTON AARON STONEROCK, : Case No. 3:18-cv-296 : Plaintiff, : District Judge Thomas M. Rose : Magistrate Judge Sharon L. Ovington vs. : : COMMISSIONER OF THE SOCIAL : SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, : : Defendant. : DECISION AND ENTRY This case is before the Court on the parties’ Joint Motion for an Award of Attorney’s Fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), 28 U.S.C. § 2412. (Doc. #12). Specifically, the parties stipulate to an award to Plaintiff of attorney fees in the amount of $3,858.25, and costs in the amount of $400.00, in full satisfaction and settlement of any and all claims Plaintiff may have under the EAJA in the above case. Prior to Plaintiff filing an EAJA petition, the parties jointly reached a resolution to settle EAJA fees in this case. Their Stipulation represents a compromise on disputed positions and is not intended to set precedent for, or a representation of, any specific hourly rate or total number of hours. The award of attorney fees will satisfy all of Plaintiff’s claims for fees, costs, and expenses under 28 U.S.C. § 2412 in this case. Any fees paid belong to Plaintiff, and not his attorney, can be offset to satisfy pre-existing debt that the litigant owes the United States under Astrue v. Ratliff, 130 S.Ct. 2521, 560 U.S. 586 (2010). After the Court enters this award, if counsel for the parties can verify that Plaintiff owes no pre-existing debt subject to offset, Defendant agrees to direct that the award be made payable to Plaintiff’s attorney pursuant to the EAJA assignment duly signed by Plaintiff. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT: 1. The Parties’ Joint Motion for an Award of Attorney’s Fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (Doc. #12) is accepted and Defendant shall pay Plaintiff’s attorney fees, costs, and expenses in the total amount of $4,258.25; 2. Counsel for the parties shall verify, within thirty days of this Decision and Entry, whether or not Plaintiff owes a pre- existing debt to the United States subject to offset. If no such pre-existing debt exists, Defendant shall pay the EAJA award directly to Plaintiff’s counsel pursuant to the EAJA assignment signed by Plaintiff; and 3. The case remains terminated on the docket of this Court. IT IS SO ORDERED. December 10, 2019 *s/Thomas M. Rose Thomas M. Rose United States District Judge