Judge: Michael Shultz, Case: 23CMCV00937, Date: 2024-02-08 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 23CMCV00937    Hearing Date: February 8, 2024    Dept: A

23CMCV00937 Reyna Ayala, et al v. SVPP Properties, LLC, et al

Thursday, February 8, 2024, 8:30 a.m.

 

[TENTATIVE] ORDER APPROVING FIVE (5) PETITIONS FOR APPROVAL OF MINORS’ COMPROMISE OF CLAIMS

 

      This action involves injuries sustained by Plaintiffs allegedly caused by uninhabitable conditions in residential real property owned by Defendants. Plaintiffs settled their claims with all Defendants.          

Reyna Ayala (Guardian ad Litem)

$25,700

Adrian Chavez (adult)

25,700

Bryan Garcia (adult)

25,600

Karina Chavez (age 10)

1,000

Damian Chavez (age 6)

1,000

Lea Chavez (age 4)

1,000

 

Herashia Taylor (Guardian ad Litem)

$48,000

Anthony Stamps (age 8)

1,000

Avion Stamps (age 6)

1,000

 

      A minor’s settlement is valid if approved by the court after a hearing.  (Prob. Code, §§3505, 3500.) All five of the minor claimants did not sustain injury and did not incur medical expenses. Plaintiffs’ counsel is not deducting costs from each minors’ settlement, leaving a net settlement amount of $1,000 for each minor claimant. The guardians request that each minors’ settlement be distributed to their respective guardian, which is permitted by Probate Code § 3401.

      Plaintiffs have allocated a larger portion of the settlement to the adult Plaintiffs who suffered more general damages than the minor claimants for economic loss and emotional distress.        

      Subject to a hearing, the Court is inclined to approve settlement in each of the five petitions.