A SEVEN-YEAR-old schoolboy, who lacerated his face on a gatepost retention flange while playing outside his home, has been awarded €35,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court against South Dublin City Council.
Barrister Tim Sheehan told the court that in February 2014 James Connors had been playing at Cherryfield Way, Templeogue, Dublin, when he fell and struck his face against a sharp edge of a box-type fixture which housed the base of the gatepost.
Mr Sheehan today said that after the gates had been taken away the flange or box had been left protruding for three centimetres above the ground.
Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke heard James had been taken to the A&E at Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin, where his scar was stitched.
Mr Sheehan told the court the wound had left a permanent scar on James’ face above his left eyebrow. Through his mother Mary Connors, James sued South Dublin City Council for negligence.
Counsel had told the court that the local authority had made an initial settlement offer of €30,000. Judge Groarke said it would not be enough to compensate James and briefly adjourned the case.
Following talks, Mr Sheehan said the County Council had made an increased offer of €35,000, which Judge Groarke approved.
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