Court approves settlements for two minors in Smith v. Pitts Construction; orders guardian-ad-litem fee paid by defendants

Judge Amy Clark Meacham approved settlement agreements in GND-24-5646, Smith and Topsy v. Pitts Construction, on June 9, 2025, and ordered a $750 guardian ad litem fee to be paid by the defendants.

Guardian ad litem Walter Dean and the two guardians/parents testified that both children had received emergency care and follow-up chiropractic treatment after separate crashes in 2023. Sharmika Smith and Tina Topsy confirmed on the record that they had discussed settlement options with counsel and believed the settlements were in the minors’ best interests.

The transcript records a total settlement of $11,500 for one minor (plaintiff shorthand on the record) and a total settlement of $16,800 for the other minor. For the $16,800 matter the record shows $8,600 in medical expenses and a net deposit to the court registry of $5,203.45 after attorney fees; the transcript lists the $5,743.25 amount as medical expenses for that child during clarification by opposing counsel. The court directed that the settlement funds be deposited in the registry of the court until each child reaches age 18.

Judge Meacham said she had reviewed the submissions and, “having heard the evidence, the court is going to approve this settlement on behalf of both J.O. and S.S. and the amounts therein in order to be deposited in the registry of the court. Order a $750 fee to Mr. Dean payable by the defendants.” The clerk was directed to process the orders sent to the court’s 201.submission@traviscountytx.gov address.

The court emphasized to the guardian ad litem that additional paperwork (W-9s, Social Security numbers and registry-account set-up) is required to ensure the registry deposits are placed in the correct accounts and earn interest for the children.