Personal Injury Involving Children

Sometimes it becomes necessary to bring a personal injury claim on behalf of a child injured as a result of the negligence of someone else. Florida Law has certain legal protections in place to protect the interest of injured children. These protections may require the appointment of a legal guardian to oversee settlement proceeds. Settlement approval may also be necessary when the gross settlement amount exceeds $15k or a lawsuit has been filed. Sometimes the Court requires a guardian ad litem to review the terms of the settlement and attest that the settlement is in the best interests of the injured child. The Court’s decision always takes into account the best interest of the child which requires the proceeds to be deposited into a conservative account until the minor reaches the age of majority. In the interim, if money is needed from the account, Court approval must be obtained. This insures the proceeds are used for a legitimate purpose and for the benefit of the minor child.