Special rules apply in respect of children.
Firstly, the three year limitation period
does not begin to run until they are 18 so
that effectively, if they suffered a
clinical accident during their childhood
years, they may still be able to bring
proceedings in respect if it up to the age
of 21.
The same applies to any personal
accident or injury, see
www.accidentcompensation.com for further
details.
Children can apply for Legal Aid in their
own name. Since they are likely to have a
very limited income and no savings, it is
quite possible that a child may be able to
obtain Legal Aid in circumstances where
their parents may not be able to do so.
Finally, any settlement of a claim made
on behalf of a child (a person under 18
years of age) must be approved by the court.
This means the terms of the settlement must
be placed before a Judge for his approval.
The money is then invested by the Court and
paid out to them when they are 18.
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