There is no one size fits all answer to this question. Settlement amounts in childhood injuries are subject to state-specific guidelines, court approval, the particular circumstances of each case, and the amount of total financial compensation awarded. As a general rule, a court may appoint someone to act on the child’s behalf, and most, or all of the final financial awards may be held in trust until the child plaintiff reaches the age of legal maturity. The child’s legal guardian (usually a parent) may petition the court to release funds to pay medical bills or provide necessary treatment.