Missouri Pacific Railroad v. Alderete

STONE, Justice.

The central issue presented in this appeal is the reasonableness of guardian ad litem fees awarded in a personal injury case. Gilbert Isaac Alderete, a minor, was injured when he fell from a moving Missouri Pacific Railroad train. Teresa Hunter was verbally appointed guardian ad litem by the trial court on November 3, 1992, but was not notified of her appointment until November 1994. The ad litem order was signed on November 17,1994.

The suit proceeded to trial in August 1995 and the trial lasted eight days. Issues were submitted to the jury, but prior to the jury returning its…