Judge: Thomas D. Long, Case: 19STCV28978, Date: 2024-06-04 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 19STCV28978    Hearing Date: June 4, 2024    Dept: 48

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - CENTRAL DISTRICT

Claimant Alexia Lopez, a minor, by and through her parent and guardian ad litem, Sonia Calderon, has agreed to settle her claims against Defendants Leonidas Ramirez, Dolores Ramirez, and Rafael Ramirez in exchange for $70,000.00.  Of this amount, $1,208.76 is allocated for reimbursement of medical expenses to Medi-Cal and $28,000.00 is allocated for attorney fees, leaving a balance of $40,791.24 for Claimant.  If approved, the funds will be deposited into a blocked account, subject to withdrawal only upon authorization of the court.

Claimant Genesis Lopez, a minor, by and through her parent and guardian ad litem, Sonia Calderon, has agreed to settle her claims against Defendants Leonidas Ramirez, Dolores Ramirez, and Rafael Ramirez in exchange for $35,000.00.  Of this amount, $122.28 is allocated for reimbursement of medical expenses to Medi-Cal and $14,000.00 is allocated for attorney fees, leaving a balance of $20,877.72 for Claimant.  If approved, the funds will be deposited into a blocked account, subject to withdrawal only upon authorization of the court.

Court approval is required for all settlements of a minor’s claim.  (Probate Code §§ 3500, 3600, et seq.; Code Civ. Proc. § 372.)  The Court has reviewed the proposed settlement and finds that it is fair and reasonable.  The Court also finds that the attorney fees, which are 40% of the funds, are fair and reasonable.  Additionally, they were agreed to by the parent and guardian ad litem.

Accordingly, the Petitions to Approve Minor’s Compromise are GRANTED.  The Court sets an Order to Show Cause Re: Proof of Deposit Into Blocked Accounts for September 6, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.  (California Rules of Court, rule 7.953(a).)  If acknowledgements of receipt by the financial institution are filed before that date, no appearance will be required.

Moving party to give notice.

Parties who intend to submit on this tentative must send an email to the Court at SMCDEPT48@lacourt.org indicating intention to submit.  If all parties in the case submit on the tentative ruling, no appearances before the Court are required unless a companion hearing (for example, a Case Management Conference) is also on calendar.

         Dated this 4th day of June 2024