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When a child is injured in a car accident in Georgia, any compensation awarded in a settlement or trial will be handled in accordance with Georgia law. Georgia law requires that any settlement or award of damages in a personal injury case involving a minor child must be approved by the court and placed into a trust for the benefit of the child.
The purpose of the trust is to ensure that the child's compensation is used for their benefit and to cover any ongoing medical expenses or other costs related to the injury. The funds in the trust will be managed by a trustee, who is typically appointed by the court. The trustee will be responsible for investing the funds and making sure they are used for the child's benefit in accordance with the terms of the trust.
The trust will typically be established with the child as the beneficiary. However, in some cases, the parents or other guardians of the child may also be named as co-beneficiaries of the trust. This means that they may have access to the funds to pay for certain expenses related to the child's care, but they will not have control over the funds.
The funds in the trust will typically be released to the child when they turn 18 years old. However, in some cases, the trust may be structured to release the funds in stages or at certain milestones, such as when the child graduates from high school or college.
It's important to note that the specific details of how the trust is managed and how the funds are distributed can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the laws of Georgia. It's also important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Georgia to understand your legal rights and options in this type of situation.
In addition to the trust, parents or guardians of a child who has been injured in a car accident may also be entitled to compensation for any expenses they have incurred as a result of the accident. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. However, any compensation awarded to the parents or guardians will be separate from the compensation awarded to the child and will be handled differently.
Overall, when a child is injured in a car accident in Georgia, the compensation awarded will be handled in a way that prioritizes the best interests of the child. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, parents or guardians can help ensure that their child receives the compensation they need to cover any ongoing medical expenses or other costs related to the injury.