The plaintiffs brought a motion under Rule 7.08 of the Rules of Civil Procedure seeking court approval of a settlement involving a minor plaintiff arising from the death of her father in a motor vehicle accident.
The proposed settlement allocated $206,875 to the minor for loss of care, guidance and companionship under the Family Law Act.
The court found the settlement amount reasonable but raised significant concerns regarding counsel’s disclosure and the proposed solicitor‑client fees.
The materials were confusing and inconsistent, and the court concluded the firm had already been adequately compensated through costs recovered from the defendant and premiums charged to other plaintiffs.
The settlement was approved, but no further fees or disbursements were permitted to be deducted from the minor’s portion.
