A child's claim cannot be settled in private
Alabama sets the age of majority at 19 in Ala. Code 26-1-1, and the rules on paying money to a minor are in Ala. Code 26-2A-6. Because a guardian generally cannot settle the claim alone, the case goes through a pro ami hearing before a judge.
See why a judge has to approve the settlement, how blocked accounts compare with structured settlements, and whether a child's case carries a lower attorney fee.