However, you or someone you know may have already lost out. If you were involved in an accident where compensation was paid to you or a family member before you were 18 years and you did not receive legal advice or have the court approve your compensation payment, you are legally entitled to have your case reopened and to pursue your claim.
DON'T MISS OUT ON COMPENSATION YOU MAY HAVE BEEN ENTITLED TO!
JMK Solicitors, has been campaigning for several years to ensure when innocent young people are involved in an accident, that compensation is protected until they reach the age of 18.
Would you trust a person who owes YOU money to explain YOUR rights to YOU?
Of course NOT!
And yet it happens on a worryingly regular basis throughout Northern Ireland.
Would you think it was fair if the person who was at-fault not only decided what sum they would pay but gave YOUR compensation to someone else?
Absolutely NOT!
What can you do?
You can contact JMK Solicitors for more advice if you think you may have been affected by this.
Email us at law@jmksolicitors.com or call us for a free consultation on 028 9032 0222.
Established over 20 years and ranking as NI’s Number 1 Personal Injury Solicitors for the last decade, we assist clients all over Northern Ireland.
Press Release
Protection of compensation for children and young people who are under 18 years old
Currently, insurance companies representing the ‘at-fault party’ may offer compensation directly to the parents of the injured child or young person, and this can be accepted without obtaining court approval, getting medical reports about the extent of injury and sometimes without seeking legal advice. This may result in children and young people not getting the full value of their claim or in some cases to personally receive any of their compensation.
Following several years of campaigning by JMK solicitors and by the legal profession, Lord Justice Gillen and the Justice Minister both recommended that there should be mandatory Court approval of Children’s Compensation Claims. Regretfully in 2024 the Justice Minister “decided not to bring forward legislation in relation to mandatory court approval of compensation settlements for children in the current mandate” however she remained “ open to legislating on this issue in future, if a clear, effective, coherent, workable and proportionate legal solution can be identified”.
Maurece Hutchinson, campaigner and Managing Director of JMK Solicitors view is “legislative protection for children and young persons under 18 is so important as it’s about closing loopholes for compensators, typically insurance companies, with regards to vulnerable children and ensuring the right amount of compensation goes to the right person.”
The overwhelming view of the legal profession is that this protection is long overdue with almost universal support for mandatory protection.
If you are affected by this or it has happened to you or a family member, you are entitled to no obligation legal advice from our specialist legal team.
Please get in touch by emailing law@jmksolicitors.com or telephone 02890320222.
Northern Ireland’s number 1 personal injury experts can help you.
Established over 20 years and ranking as NI’s Number 1 Personal Injury Solicitors for the last decade, JMK Solicitors assist clients all over Northern Ireland.
Media Coverage
Listen To The Children's Compensation Consultation Radio Interview
Listen to Maurece Hutchinson speak with Frank Mitchel on U105 regarding the Children’s Compensation Consultation.
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JMK COURT GUIDE
Thinking about going to Court can be a daunting experience.
You will be our priority throughout the Court process and your JMK Legal Representative will be on hand to address any queries or concerns you may have on the day.
This short guide will explain what you should expect when your case goes to court and provide you with some key tips to help you along the way.
