ABSTRACT
There are special rules governing proceedings involving children and patients which take account of the fact that such parties are usually not able to act on their own behalf and to ensure that any settlement is in their interests and for their benefit. In general, a child or patient acts through a litigation friend, who is usually a parent or guardian or someone else who is responsible for their welfare. If there is no such party, the Official Solicitor will be appointed to act as litigation friend.1
