WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT SETTLING A CHILD’S INJURY CLAIM Infant Cases Explained
When a child is hurt in an accident, settling their personal injury case can be a time- consuming and complex process. Cases involving minors, called “infant cases,” differ from adult cases in several ways, including a requirement for court approval and holding the funds until the child turns 18. While it may seem similar to standard adult cases, it’s essential for parents to know the critical differences in the process to get the best outcome for their child. In a typical personal injury case, your lawyer could work directly between you and the insurance company to come to a settlement offer outside court. But, if a person younger than 18 is involved, it must go through the court for approval.
The process starts the same — your lawyer will talk to both sides until everyone agrees on an acceptable settlement amount. It will be necessary to gather evidence to support your claim, prove the other party is at fault for your child’s injuries, and substantiate their damages. It’s important to have the child go to their doctor again to have them sign an affirmation that the child has healed or this is the maximum amount of healing for a particular injury. Once the claim is submitted to the court, an infant compromise hearing will be held. At this hearing, the judge will sit with the parent, child, and lawyer to review the paperwork and ask questions. The goal is to give the child a chance to speak for themselves without collusion and ensure the settlement is fair.
Once approved, the award funds for the child must go into a savings account, which they can’t access until they turn 18. Parents should understand that it will take some time for the process to conclude with an actual court-approved settlement. There are only a few exceptions to the rule that the child can’t touch the money until they are a legal adult, including a dire situation where the court approves a portion of the funds to be allocated. Understanding the nuances of infant cases is crucial to protecting your child’s financial future. Though the process takes time, it is ultimately designed to get the best outcome for the child and a fair settlement that will provide for them when they turn 18.
SUDOKU
Greek Chicken and Rice
Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 cups chicken broth • 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice • Juice of 1 lemon • 1/2 cup feta cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. 2. Add chicken, oregano, and thyme and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
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