Judge: Serena R. Murillo, Case: 20STCV25533, Date: 2023-01-11 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 20STCV25533    Hearing Date: January 11, 2023    Dept: 29

CASE NUMBER: 20STCV25533

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Petition to Approve Compromise of Disputed Claim of Minor (Uriah Lynks, age 8)

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Facts:    Claimant fell from his apartment’s second story living room window when he was 3 years old. The window was not up to applicable building code and was furnished with a screen that was torn and bent.

 Order appointing Guardian ad Litem approved.  

 

Settlement:   $1 million

Injuries: Claimant suffered the following injuries: left orbital wall fracture, left frontal bone fracture, left subdural hematoma, left frontal hemorrhagic contusion, periorbital soft tissue swelling, abrasions to the face, head/brain injury, binocular vision disorder, visuospatial deficit, saccadic deficiency, pursuit movement deficiency.

 Medical report submitted.  

 

MEDICAL EXPENSES  

 

 Medi-Cal lien submitted

  

Motion Picture Industry Health Plan

$22,520.55

   

COSTS 

Breakdown of costs on attachment 13(b)

 

Total

$36,560.73

  

FEES 

 

   Declaration in support of fee request 

   Copy of retainer agreement 

Counsel seeks 33.3% in attorney fees.

  REIMBURSEMENTS 

 

Attorney’s fees (33.3%) 

$333,333.33 

Medical expenses 

$22,520.55

Costs  

$36,560.73

Total fees and costs 

$392,414.61

 

 

Total Settlement 

$1,000,000 

Less credits 

$392,414.61

Net Settlement to be deposited into blocked account

$607.585.39

 

$358,105 to be invested in annuity; $249.480.39 to be transferred to trustee of a trust that is either created by or approved in the order.

     Orders attached

  

TENTATIVE 

 

The Court excuses the personal appearance of the claimant and the guardian ad litem. Counsel may appear by telephone or video conference call.  

 

The Court has reviewed the Petition to Approve Compromise of Disputed Claim of Minor (Uriah Lynks, age 8). The matter is CONTINUED for 30 days to allow the Probate Division to review the trust.

Hearing on Petition to Confirm Minor's Compromise with Special Needs Trust is continued to
02/10/2023 at 01:30 PM in Department 29 at Spring Street Courthouse.

Moving party is ordered to give notice.