A costs endorsement arising from a motion under Rule 7.08 seeking court approval of a minor’s settlement relating to statutory accident benefits following a catastrophic motor vehicle injury.
The settlement totalled $1,275,000, including a structured annuity and funds used to purchase a residence for the injured minor.
The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee raised concerns regarding the reasonableness of counsel’s fees and recommended a reduction.
After reviewing supplementary evidence and considering the factors under Rule 57.01 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, the court concluded that fees representing 17.14 percent of the settlement were fair and reasonable given the complexity and duration of the litigation.
