In the Matter of Soriano

(34) Tentative Ruling

Re: In the Matter of Soriano Superior Court Case No. 26CU00273

Hearing Date: June 9, 2026

Motion: Expedited Petition to Compromise Claim of Minor

Tentative Ruling:

To deny the petition, without prejudice, for the reasons explained below. In the event that oral argument is requested the minor is excused from appearing.

Explanation:

According to the petition, the minor has fully recovered from injuries including a headaches and soft tissue damage received in a car collision on February 27, 2025. The minor is to receive a gross settlement of $4,700 with the balance of the settlement after medical costs, attorney fees and litigation costs to be deposited in a blocked account. There are several issues with the petition that prevent approval.

The Petition at Item 9a indicates that the minor has recovered completely from his injuries, however, there is no doctor’s report of the minor’s condition reflecting that she has recovered. The medical records are limited to those from the date of the accident and fails to demonstrate the minor recovered from her injuries. It appears the minor did not have further treatment following the emergency room visit. As such, the court will accept a declaration from the petitioner confirming the minor’s injuries resolved without further treatment or a well-child visit with her regular doctor dated after February 27, 2025.

The Petition requests expenses in the amount of $736.48 from the settlement including a “Demands [sic] Processing Fee” billed by “AR Writing, LLC” and over $500 for medical records. The cost associated with the retrieval of a total of 34 pages of medical records from two providers is unreasonable. There is no explanation for why a processing fee is associated with a demand and such an expense does not appear reasonable. The court does not intend to approve charges against the minor’s recovery that are unreasonable. (Prob. Code, § 3601.)

The court issued an intended ruling on May 21, 2026 identifying the above issues and allowing the filing of an amended petition in anticipation of the hearing set for June 9, 2026. No additional papers have been filed. Accordingly, the petition is denied without prejudice.

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1312