Pursuant to PA Law, Court approval is required whenever there is a settlement of a minor’s personal injury claim. These are the necessary steps to successfully conclude a minor’s dog attack case:

1. The attorney for the dog bite victim and the insurance representative for the dog owner reach a tentative settlement.
2. Specific language for the legal Release(s) must be agreed upon.
3. If the proposed settlement is $50,000.00 or more, it is most likely in the child’s best interests to select a Structured Settlement Annuity from an A+ rated financial institution.
4. All appropriate documentation must be signed and timely presented in order to obtain the tax-free benefits of the Structured Settlement Annuity.
5. A Minor’s Compromise Settlement Petition must be filed with the Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division which has jurisdiction over the attack and/or the Minor Petitioner.
6. Court approval must be obtained.
7. Some Counties require a Hearing with parental involvement; others do not.
8. The SSA must be funded.
9. An Affidavit of Annuity Funding must be filed with the Court proving that the SSA has been funded and all necessary Releases, paperwork, etc. have been exchanged/completed.

The settlement of a minor’s case is complicated. Attorney Thomas J. Newell has efficiently handled dozens upon dozens of these claims.  Call him today at 800-980-4842 for a free home consultation regarding your child’s dog attack claim.