€750,000 for family of woman killed in bus crash

A FAMILY who lost their mother after a bus mounted the kerb at Wellington Quay, Dublin, on February 21 last year were yesterday awarded €750,000 by the High Court.

The award was made to the family of Kathleen Gilton, one of five people who died in the crash last year.

The action was taken by Mrs Gilton’s son Liam, aged 44, of Newtown, Maynooth.

The claim was made for mental distress, economic loss, loss of services, loss of income and loss of disability allowance and the court heard that the deceased woman’s dependants also included her husband James Gilton and three daughters Mary and Nuala Gilton and Noreen Doogan.

After the crash, James Gilton had said his life was “in tatters” following the death of his wife. It was reported that Mrs Gilton had dived to save her daughter Nuala when she was struck by the vehicle.

Gerard O’Herlihy, solicitor for Dublin Bus, said his client in his view had reacted in a very unique way to the accident and from the first moment conceded liability in this case and in all of the cases involved.

He said that they had paid the €8,000 for hospital visits when the deceased woman’s daughter who was injured in the accident was in hospital.

The company he said had also paid for relatives to travel from Britain and they had also paid for the funeral expenses and hospital bills. The company, he added, had done everything they possibly could.

A short time after the case opened, Mr Justice Lavan said he would expect xhairman of CIE and Dublin Bus John Lynch, or members of the board, to be present for the hearing.

However, before the hearing resumed after the lunch recess, settlement moves took place outside the court.

Earlier Harry Whelehan, senior counsel for the family, said the deceased woman was 69 years of age at the time of the accident and had been the kingpin and mainstay of the family. Her daughter Nuala, who has Down syndrome, was also injured in the accident and had spent four months in hospital.

Her husband was 84 years of age and she also had two significantly disabled daughters.

Since her death the family had been thrown back on their own resources with some help from the health board.

In expressing his deep sympathy to the extended family Mr Justice Lavan said he agreed with Mr Whelehan’s estimation that the deceased woman was a truly remarkable lady who had a remarkable life, making a remarkable contribution to her family.

“Even in this crisis you must have wonderful memories of her,” said the judge.