Legal Question in Personal Injury in North Carolina

There is no absolute set answer to this question. It will primarily depend on the insurance company making the payment, and the amount of the payment. Typically the insurance company will want any significant claim, loosely defined as claims over $5,000 or so, to be approved by the court (when the claimant is a minor); in that case, the money is typically paid to the court until the minor turns 18. If the insurance company does not want to go through this process, then you can typically get the money now. I have written an extensive law review article on minor's settlements in North Carolina, and I'll be happy to discuss this with you further if you have further questions.