Do we need our own attorney to settle a dog bite claim?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Do we need our own attorney to settle a dog bite claim?
We have been working with the homeowner’s insurance company to settle a dog bite injury suffered by our daughter at the age of 10. We are ready to move forward on a 20k settlement and intend to set up a structured settlement, likely timing the payments to start around age 22. She is 14 now. Unlikely any of the funds would be required sooner no further medical bills expected. The case seems
straightforward. The insurance company’s attorney will prepare the paperwork required for court once we confirm how we wish to invest the proceeds. Obviously the attorney cannot provide us legal advise. If we are comfortable with the amount and how we want to invest, is there still a reason be represented by our own attorney in this matter?
Asked on March 15, 2018 under Personal Injury, Minnesota
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Since you are satisfied with the settlement offer and how the funds are to be invested, you don't need an attorney whose fee will be a percentage of the settlement.
The court proceeding is a minor's compromise where court approval is needed for the disposition of the settlement funds to protect your daughter's rights until she is sufficiently mature to receive payment.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.